Abstract Alice L. (Pat) Loomis (1908-1990) was a prominent woman in mid-20th century Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mrs. Loomis was active in the Kent County Republican Committee and the National Young Republicans. She was also an employee of the Grand Rapids Herald and seems to have been involved in the printing department. Within this collection are many small publications regarding the printing industry of West Michigan at the time; the American Newspaper Guild; and various banquets and Republican...

Abstract This is a devised collection containing primarily books, reports and ephemera created by City Departments of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It also contains documents about the city that were created by other organizations. This collection is not intended to replicate the official City Archives, but to provide access to more popular and mainstream items. Since the Library existed for many years before the City Archives was founded, it is possible that in some cases the Library may also...

Abstract Dorothy Leonard Judd (1898-1989) was an activist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her papers document her personal and professional life. Important in the collection are records documenting Judd's involvement in the drafting of a new Michigan State Constitution at the Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). Also important is the League of Women Voters series, 1926-1976. Judd was an active member in the Grand Rapids League, served as Michigan State president in 1928, and headed the National League's...

Abstract This collection contains material related to Fred H. Locke (1874-1945), former city manager of Grand Rapids, Michigan (1918-1929). Included in the collection are letters of appreciation from various Grand Rapidians (e.g. other city departments) regarding his service and accomplishments; a series of letters written by fellow Masons (Fred H. Locke was a 33rd degree Mason); a book (ostensibly created at the time of his retirement) with well-wishes and signatures; a handful of black and white...

Abstract George R. Perry (1849-1927) was a Grand Rapids, Michigan businessman and politician. He served as mayor of Grand Rapids from 1898 to 1902. The collection includes letter press books, newspaper clippings, correspondence, account books and accounting files. The material deals mainly with political affairs with the account books relating to Perry's business interests. During Perry's time as mayor he was involved in the Grand Rapids water scandal, relating to bonds issued to fund...

Abstract The Grand Rapids Citizens League was a citizens group in Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan, active from 1916 through 1926. With the goal of better government, the League led the drive for the city commission / manager form of government. After this governmental form was adopted the League turned its attention to preserving it against attack, and to supporting prohibition and other moral issues. The League was dissolved in 1926, having lost most of its membership. Included are minutes,...

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Helen Meade was a secretary to five mayors and 13 city managers of Grand Rapids, Mich. This collection contains a scrapbook kept by Meade, including correspondence, photographs, cards and newspaper articles collected during her 26 years as secretary. Included are documents of Mayor George Welsh's last days in office, and resignation.

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Howard F. Baxter (1886-1969) and Robert T. Baxter (1913-1975) were the second and third generations of the Baxter family to head the Baxter Laundries Corporation in Grand Rapids, Mich. The collection contains business records and personal papers. The business records relate daily operations and finances and describe the laundry industry. The personal papers relate the state and local political career of Howard Baxter and the navy career of Robert Baxter.

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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.

Abstract The New River Free Press was a community newspaper published in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from November 1973 through May 1977. New River Free Press covered a wide range of topics, including housing, health, labor, education, and social justice. The paper included articles, book reviews, recipes, artwork, short stories, and poetry. Other topics that were covered included feminism, tenant rights, urban homesteading, sexual assault, ecology and the environment, local politics, nutrition,...