Abstract Alberta Massingill (1914-2005) was the director of the Grand Rapids Public Library, in Grand Rapids, MI from 1972-1979. During her tenure she was instrumental in establishing remedial reading programs and school libraries, the opening of additional library branches and the founding of the Lakeland Library Cooperative.Newspaper clippings, correspondence and photographs make up the majority of her papers and could be used by those researching Massingill herself, the history of the...

Abstract Britton L. Gordon (1909-2002) was a Grand Rapids, Michigan businessman who strongly influenced aeronautics in the city. Gordon served on the Kent County Aeronautics Board from 1956-1978 and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission from 1963-1979. He was instrumental in developing the airport in Cascade Township, which is now known as the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. This collection contains newspaper clippings relating to aeronautics and the airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The...

Abstract Located in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, the Butterworth #2 Landfill Site was owned operated by the city of Grand Rapids as an open dump from 1950-1967. The area that it encompasses is approximately 180 acres and borders the Grand River on it's south side. Before the landfill itself was operational the land it would eventually cover, as well as the surrounding areas, had been used for industrial purpose for at least one hundred years. This caused the land to be polluted with heavy...

Scope and Contents

The materials for the Crohon and Roden Company Records include materials that were given to the Grand Rapids Public Library in 1987. These items span the whole of the company's existence from the 1920's until it's closing in the 1980's. The bulk of the material includes correspondence either to or from the Crohon and Roden Company. This material is not arranged chronologically, but left as found by library staff.

Abstract

The Easgate Neighborhood is located on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids. The vast bulk of this collection consists of the Association newsletter "Gatewatch". There are a few other pieces included in this collection, but they mainly have to do with the creation of "Gatewatch".

Abstract Kuizema Hardware was a family owned and operated hardware store in Grand Rapids, Michigan for three generations. Opened in 1905, it was run by Harm Kuizenga (1852-1939), Henry Kuizema (1892-1991) and Harold Kuizema. In approximately 1989, majority ownership was sold to an employee, Jack Huizinga. The store closed in 1999, after operating for 94 years. This small collection consists of two financial ledgers from the store, covering the years 1905 through 1927. The ledgers note receipts and...

Abstract

The Harold Perschbacher Papers include ledgers and documents related to the churches Mr. Perschbacher served as Reverend at. Also included are documents and slides related to Mr. Perschbacher's years in real estate sales and development and as a salesman for Kitchen Craft.

Abstract

Herpolsheimer's Department Store was one of the main department stores in downtown Grand Rapids from 1886 to 1987. The main part of this collection consists of the employee newsletter of Herpolsheimer's Department Store from 1947-1966.

Abstract

The J. Boyd Pantlind Library Records collection is comprised of materials from the library of J. Boyd Pantlind. These materials include several books, photo albums and printed materials on the history of Grand Rapids. Included are several photo albums and loose photos. Some of these photos are recognizable Grand Rapids scenes, others are completely unidentified.

Abstract

This collection, donated by Mrs. Richard H. Meade (Mary Robinson) consists of Grand Rapids Planning Comission minutes and reports from 1943-47; zoning maps and plans from 1934-60; articles of incorporation for the Metropolitan Planning Association and correspondences in regards to its founding; and copies of the "Metropolitan Planner" 1944-46.