Grand Rapids (Mich.) -- History
Subject
Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Found in 388 Collections and/or Records:
The Playgrounds Association of Grand Rapids/Recreation Association of Grand Rapids, Michigan publications
Collection
Identifier: Collection 261
Abstract
This small collection contains documents of the history and development of the Playground Association, and subsequently the Grand Rapids Recreation Association, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These organizations developed in response to the perceived advantages of fresh air and exercise in combating tuberculosis. Playgrounds were also perceived as a way to prevent juvenile delinquencies in the growth urban environments. Charles W. Garfield is considered the father of the playground movement in...
Dates:
1903-1933
The Sara Kinglsey Smith and Isaac Platt Powell Collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 436
Abstract
This collection is made up primarily of the personal papers and photographs of Sara Kinglsey Smith (1872-1963), daughter of former Grand Rapids Mayor, Henry S. Smith, and Isaac Platt Powell (1838-1903) spanning the years from 1884-1935. Issac Powell married Helen Griffith Smith, Henry Smith's second wife and stepmother of Sarah Smith, in 1890 following Henry's death. Most notably the collection contains a photo album that includes photos of Sara Smith's family, including her father, the D.A....
Dates:
1880-1935
The Western Wheelman collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 041
Abstract
The Western Wheelman was published in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois by the Western Wheelman Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The magazine was devoted strictly to professional bicycle racing, especially the Michigan and Chicago circuits, and was a major proponent of national circuit racing.
Dates:
1896-1897
Thomas C. Mathieu, Sr. papers
Collection
Identifier: Collection 388
Abstract
Thomas C. Mathieu, Sr. (1936-) was a Michigan State Representative from 1975 to 1998. He is known for his work with the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps, the Michigan Veterans Facility and Grand Rapids Community College. In addition, Mathieu secured funding for many local organizations, including Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. He also authored numerous bills, including the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (1976), the...
Dates:
1968-2010
Thomas J. Majchrzak collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 203
Abstract
Thomas J. Majchrzak (1889-1981) ran the Grand Rapids Social Center from 1930 to 1933. The center was a city department that provided shelter and food to unemployed, single men during the onset of the Great Depression. The collection includes correspondence, photographs and issues of Our Gang, a newspaper published by and for people receiving various forms of welfare during the Depression. The manuscript material includes information on Majchrzak’s injury received while working and on his...
Dates:
1929-1940
Thomas R. and Debra C. Dilley historical collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 364
Abstract
This collection is named for the donors/collectors and reflects their historical interests and expertise. The collection provides diverse visual and written information on the history of the Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan community. Some of the stereographic photographs (ca. 1865-1910) included in the collection, may also be found in the books written by Thomas R. Dilley on this historical graphic format. Other original or copy photographs document numerous events, people and organizations,...
Dates:
circa 1850s-2000s
Thomas R. Wilson graphics collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 359
Abstract
The Thomas R. Wilson graphics collection focuses primarily on the reproduction graphics or photographs created by Wilson and given to the library. Tom currently operates a home business creating poster art from historical travel literature and ephemera. Wilson and his wife, M. Christine Byron, are authors of several Michigan travel books.
Dates:
2006-
Thomas W. Porter Archaeological, Architectural and Geological graphics
Collection
Identifier: Collection 042
Abstract
Thomas W. Porter (1827 - 1911) collected, sold and traded archaeological artifacts from West Michigan during the last third of the nineteenth century. Often working with Wright L. Coffinberry and others from the Kent Scientific Institute, he used his skill as a sketcher to draw facsimiles of Native American and other artifacts. The collection includes maps and illustrations of the Indian burial mounds in Grand Rapids and the items recovered from them, including the “Big Find” in...
Dates:
1873-1900, no date
Trades and Labor Council collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 038
Abstract
This is a devised collection of programs from annual Labor Day events held by the Trades and Labor Council of Grand Rapids, an umbrella organization for local unions. The Labor Day programs were organized as a celebration of union strength and solidarity, to celebrate labor's own day and to provide an atmosphere of enjoyment for the union workers and their families. The programs include identified images of labor representatives, and/or candidates for office. Advertising is also a large...
Dates:
1890-1910
United States Army 32nd Michigan Infantry Company H papers
Collection
Identifier: Collection 005
Abstract
The United States Army 32nd Michigan Infantry Company H Papers include records, correspondence, and other documents of this unit, which was part of the National Guard. Research indicates that the unit was mobilized in May 1898 during the Spanish-American War, but due to transportation problems never got to the action and was mustered out in October of that same year. The Company's membership resided primarily in Grand Rapids, Michigan and began holding reunions in 1908. Papers of...
Dates:
1895-1971