Abstract The Bos Leather Company was formed in 1909 in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Sidney (originally Sietse) J. Bos (1878-1941), a Dutch immigrant. The Bos firm specialized in shoe making, but also manufactured a limited amount of other leather products, such as briefcases. The Bos Leather Company records document the financial history of the firm, including inventory records from 1909 to 1967. Monthly sales records are included from the mid-1930s until 1967. A sample of trade publications and...

Abstract The Camera Shop was formed in 1908 by Walter K. Schmidt (1865-1938) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to provide photo supplies to the community. Schmidt, a pharmacist by training, used his knowledge of chemicals to run the Camera shop along side his drugstore until 1936. The photographs in this collection visually detail the commercial and industrial sector of the Grand Rapids economy in 1915. In addition, images of several substance abuse hospitals, business schools, colleges, public buildings...

Abstract The Clara Knapp Phillips advertising trade cards collection is named for the collector, a former resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The small collection includes primarily generic graphic trade cards advertising the local businesses of Grand Rapids, primarily in the later 19th and early 20th century. Some of the cards have original art and local publishers. Several items are included from other Michigan cities and a few items are from out of state. The historical style of the cards and the...

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This collection contains trade publications primarily for Grand Rapids, Michigan businesses but also for select Michigan and national companies. Publication forms include illustrated catalogs, product lists, brochures and pamphlets. Also included are department store catalogs, such as Sears or Herpolsheimers.

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This collection contains annual reports for Grand Rapids, Michigan and Michigan businesses and organizations. The reports in the collection generally date from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Some later reports are also included for their historical significance.

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This is a devised collection that contains serial and periodical holdings which are housed in the archives. The bulk of the collection consists of newsletters or periodicals published by local companies or organizations. Also included are national periodicals with content relating to the Grand Rapids or Michigan area.

Abstract This is a devised collection that brings together a variety of directories that include listings for Grand Rapids, Michigan area citizens, businesses and organizations. The directories often include addresses and telephone numbers and sometimes occupations (for indidivuals) or members (for businesses and organizations). The oldest directory currently documented for the collection is Williams Grand Rapids Directory, City Guide and Reference, 1859/1860. Some of the directories, such as the...

Abstract The James B. Winslow collection contains items in numerous formats, representing the eclectic historical and collecting interests of the donor. Winslow’s special interest and expertise has been in the history of Michigan and national railroads and railroading, only a portion of which are included here. The railroad materials in this collection focus on Grand Rapids area rail lines, such as the Grand Trunk Railway System. Also in the collection are items from many Grand Rapids businesses,...

Abstract John Sehler (1847-1918) moved to West Michigan in 1865. He was a co-owner of Brown & Sehler, an implement business. Sehler was an active member in the community and was involved with the Grand Rapids Credit Men's Association, the Board of Trade and Emmanuel Lutheran Church. The John Sehler Papers include the documents of Sehler (1847-1918) and records of Brown & Sehler (1904-1944). Included are receipts (all before 1900), bills, minutes of the stockholders' meetings, and...

Abstract The Michigan Lithographing Company was a Grand Rapids, Michigan graphic and printing company. This collection contains materials recieved from an anonymous donor that document the business. Michigan Litho was established in 1901 and operated through the early 1990s, when the business was sold to another printing company. For most of its existence, Michigan Litho was located at the southwest corner of Fulton and Carlton. The building was destroyed by fire in 2002. This collection includes...