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Grand Rapids (Mich.) -- History

 Subject
Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings

Found in 388 Collections and/or Records:

Russell family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 008
Abstract The Russell Family Papers contains documents primarily of Mr. and Mrs. Huntley Russell, who were active in numerous business, political, social and religious organizations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Huntley Russell (1858-1928) was a Republican State Senator, State Land Commissioner and real estate developer. Clara Russell (1866-1935), daughter of Charles Carter Comstock & Cornelia Guild Davis Comstock, was chairman of the Republican Women's State Executive Committee, Vice-president of...
Dates: 1818-1981

Ryskamp Brothers, Inc. records

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 031
Abstract

The Ryskamp Brothers store was a paint and hardware business in Grand Rapids, Mich. from about 1890 until 1974. This collection includes correspondence, account journals, cash books, day books, ledgers and sale books from the business. The correspondence and business records are valuable in providing financial background and detailed information on the store's operations.

Dates: 1890-1957

Samuel H. Ranck papers

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 219
Abstract Samuel H. Ranck (1866-1952) was director of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, Michigan for 37 years, covering the years 1904-1941. He was also an outdoor lover, an active member of the Grand Rapids community and a member of numerous organizations and associations throughout the state of Michigan and the nation. This collection contains bibliographical information about Ranck and various writings by Ranck. The bulk of the collection is photographs, diaries, writings and...
Dates: 1787-1952

Sanborn Fire Insurance maps

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 481
Abstract This collection includes two volumes of Sanborn Fire Insurance maps for Grand Rapids, Michigan, published in January 1874 and January 1878. Fire insurance maps are large-scale maps with detailed drawings of the built environment of urban areas. They were produced for insurance agents to use in quoting fire insurance policies. The maps are helpful for researching the history of a property and for general knowledge of the history of Grand Rapids. Due to their rarity, access to the...
Dates: 1874-01; 1878-01

Santa Claus Girls collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 180
Abstract The Santa Claus Girls is a non-profit organization that provides gifts for children in Kent County, Michigan for Christmas. The collection primarily consists of newspaper clippings scrapbooks, documenting the organization from 1941 to 2000. Also included are four versions of the group's constitution and occasional photographs, ephemera and correspondence. The organization was founded in 1908 by Adriana VanDoorn with the help of Senator Arthur Vandenberg. It was sponsored by the Grand Rapids...
Dates: 1941-2000

Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids records

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 351
Abstract The Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids is a male chorus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1883 as the Schubert Club of Grand Rapids, they are considered the oldest independent, continually active male chorus in the United States. A scholarship fund from the Chorus supported future New York Metropolitan Opera baritone Russell Christopher. The group also brought nationally prominent musicians to Grand Rapids, such as Ignace Paderewski, Rise Stevens and the McGuire Sisters. The...
Dates: 1883-1887, 1933-2005

Select records of Butterworth Hospital and Nursing School

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 124
Abstract

Butterworth Hospital, now part of Spectrum Health, was established in Grand Rapids, Michigan as St. Mark's Home and Hospital in 1876. This collection contains photographs, annual reports, minutes, newsclippings, scrapbooks and yearbooks dealing with the history of the hospital, 1880-1989, particularly before 1930. Also in the collection are documents concerning fund raising for the construction of the new hospital building, which was dedicated in 1925.

Dates: 1880-1989, n.d.

Seven family glass plate negatives

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 341
Abstract

The Seven family immigrated from the Netherlands to Grand Rapids, Michigan circa 1880. Family members operated several businesses, including the John Seven Paint & Wallpaper Co. (later Seven's Paint & Wallpaper). The collection includes 66 4x5 glass plate negatives depicting Grand Rapids, Michigan area views, Grand River flood views and images of Seven family members, homes and businesses, primarily on the West Side.

Dates: circa 1900-1912

Shakespeariana Club of Grand Rapids collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 331
Abstract

The Shakespeariana Club of Grand Rapids, Michigan is an organization devoted to the study of Shakespeare. Founded in April 1887 by Loraine Pratt Immen, it was originally a subgroup of the Ladies Literary Club. This collections contains records from circa 1893-1987, including minutes, programs, yearbooks, original writings of members, reference materials and printed plates.

Dates: 1887- circa 1980

Sluman S. Bailey papers

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 085
Abstract Sluman S. Bailey (1821-1907) was a native of Somerset New York and later lived in Paris Township, Kent County, Michigan. He began writing journals in 1842, at 21 years old. His family moved to Michigan in 1846 and purchased a farm in Paris Township, Kent County. Bailey was one of the founders of the Kent County Agricultural Society. The journals cover his day-to-day activities, most notably when he was Sheriff of Grand Rapids and an Internal Revenue collector. His journals also cover the...
Dates: 1842-1907, n.d.