Abstract Captain Charles Eugene Belknap (1846-1929) was a veteran of the Civil War and a well-known politician, businessman, fireman and historian from Grand Rapids, Michigan. This devised collection brings together several small accessions of material related to Belknap. The bulk of the collection consists of Belknap's writings on local history, usually handwritten copies. Also included is biographical information, correspondence, ephemera, a few photographs and programs from the dedication of the...

Abstract Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) was the 38th President of the United States. A former resident of Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ford served as a member of the House of Representatives for the 5th District of Michigan from 1949 to 1973. This collection contains reference material for general use related to Ford. Included are letters, photographs, speeches and memorabilia. The library does not widely collect original Gerald R. Ford documents, as these are primarily held by other...

Abstract Lucius Lyon (1800-1851) was a prominent U.S. citizen, Grand Rapids settler and leader in Michigan statehood. This is a devised collection containing books and other manuscript materials that appear to have once belonged to Lyon. The collection also includes a representative sample of original correspondence and documents from Lyon’s relationship with other important early Michigan and Grand Rapids figures. Thus is found here evidence of a financial transaction with the national political...

Abstract Lyman S. Parks (1917-2009) was the mayor of Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1971 to 1976. He was the first African American to serve as mayor in Grand Rapids and was also the first African American elected as city commissioner. This collection was created by staff of the local history department at the Grand Rapids Public Library in anticipation of Park's retirement and recognition banquet on May 2, 1986. The collection contains Grand Rapids Press newspaper clippings, correspondence,...

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...

Abstract William Alden Smith (1859-1932) was a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from the state of Michigan. He was also a lawyer and businessman active in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Smith is known for being in charge of the United State's investigation into the sinking of the Titanic. This is a small, devised collection bringing together miscellaneous accessions and found materials related to Smith. The bulk of the collection are scrapbooks with national news clippings and telegrams of...