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History of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Journey back in time to Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Visit Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Grand Rapids Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!
Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, USA
Ottawa Indians were Grand Rapids' first inhabitants and in 1826 the city was settled by French fur traders.
Grand Rapids was once known as America's Furniture Capital for its fine residential furniture. It is known today as the center of office furniture manufacturing.
President Gerald R. Ford was a native of Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids was the first city in the U.S. to add fluoride to its drinking water - way back in 1945.
experiencegr.com
Postcards and Memories of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Grand Rapids Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Postcard
Morton House
The Morton Hotel was the place to stay when business travelers came by the trainload to buy furniture for their stores back home.
The Morton Hotel is the fourth hotel structure on the northwest corner of Monroe Center and Ionia Avenue NW since Myron Hinsdell built the Hinsdell House on the site in 1835. It was sold several years later and renamed the National House.
• The National burned in 1855 and 1872, after which it was rebuilt as the Morton Hotel. Built with the latest in fire protection, the five-story hotel was a popular destination for celebrities, including President William McKinley.
• The popularity of the Morton Hotel fell with the 1913 completion of the Pantlind Hotel...
mlive.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Advertisement
1880s
The Goshen Sweeper Co.
Easiest Operated Carpet Sweepers Made
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Michigan Soldier's Home
1886
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is established
On 90 acres of land, experts built three main buildings, 19 additional buildings and a 5,000-grave cemetery... michigan.gov
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Advertisement
A Good Cheap Desk
The Fred Macey Co., Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ladies' Home Journal
January 1898
The Macey Furniture Co. was founded by Fred Macey, who served as its first chairman along with his brother Frank, who also served as treasurer. In 1892 Fred began a mail-order business selling office desks made by other manufacturers, which were advertised in popular magazine as “the best $25 roll-top office desk in the world.” His hefty advertising budget made the company a quick success, and other pieces of office and library furniture were soon added to the mail-order line. But as his mail-order sales began to cut into the traditional sales through retailers, Michigan retailers pressured area furniture manufacturers to prevent them from producing finished goods for Macey. To get around this obstacle, Fred Macey invested his mail-order profits in the construction of his own factory. He also expanded his mail-order business, with a national system of warehouses for distribution.
In... Read MORE...
Read more about Fred MACEY
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Ramona Theatre, Reeds Lake, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Ramona Park was an amusement park located on the western shore of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1903-1954... The park also included the Ramona Theatre which hosted vaudeville shows, musicals, silent film shorts, and favorite local and national entertainers... grpmcollections.org
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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The Dam. Grand River, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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U. B. A. Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich.
The U.B.A. is the Union Benevolent Association, previously the Ladies’ Union Benevolent Association, and this organization built the hospital in 1886. Visible on the porch is at least one nurse and likely some additional staff. By this time the building was also used as a nursing school.
In 1915 this building was replaced with a more purpose-built structure named Blodgett Memorial Hospital, on a nearby location in the city. sdlotu.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Monroe Avenue Looking West. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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City Hall, Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Grand Rapids City Hall was a government building located at 35 Lyon Street, NW, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969, but demolished later that year, and de-listed from the register in 1970.
The old Grand Rapids City Hall was designed by architect Elijah E. Myers. Construction began in 1885, supervised by W.D. Richardson of Springfield, Illinois. The building was dedicated in 1888, having cost $314,800 to construct. After extended efforts to save the building, it was demolished in 1969. wikipedia
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Lower Monroe Avenue, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Canal Street, looking North
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Y.M.C.A., 1906
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Federal Building
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Post Office
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Campau Square, 1909
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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A View in John Ball Park, 1909
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Boat and Canoe Club
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Kent County Court House
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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High School
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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North Park Pavilion
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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A Grand Rapids, Mich., Furniture Factory
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Fire Engine House
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Fox Residence
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Grand Trunk Depot
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Sigsbee Street School
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Michigan Trust Building
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Hotel Pantlind
The hotel building was originally named for the Pantlind family, famous local hoteliers, and was conceived to accommodate the large number of furniture buyers who frequented the city.
In 1925, the Pantlind Hotel was ranked as one of the top ten in America. emporis.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Union Depot, 1913
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Monroe and S. Division St.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Phoenix Furniture Co.
1868: William A. Berkey becomes assignee for the property of cabinetmakers Atkins and Soule.
1872: Berkey combines residuals of Atkins & Soule with $200,000 new capital to form Phoenix Furniture Co.
The Phoenix Furniture Co. “rose from the ashes” of the Atkins & Soule partnership, with the help of its first president William A. Berkey, and a large investment of new capital. Berkey ran the company until 1879, when controlling interest was sold to J.W. Converse, a capitalist from Boston. Converse employed his friend and in-law from Massachusetts, Robert W. Merrill, to help manage the plant, which he did until 1912. In 1911 ownership of the company changed again, to Robert W. Irwin, who in 1919 consolidated Phoenix and the Royal Furniture Co. into the Robert W. Irwin Co. Because of the prominent reputation of Phoenix, pieces made in its plants were advertised and labeled as “Phoenix Furniture, by the Robert W. Irwin Co.”...
furniturecityhistory.org
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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New Y.M.C.A. Building, 1916
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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First Methodist Episcopal Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Grand River
Bissell Carpet Sweeper Co.
Like a lot of well-intentioned people who plan on having a relaxing Saturday, we didn’t really mean to start cleaning—it just happened. In 1876, Melville R. Bissell and his wife, Anna, were running a small crockery shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sick of constantly cleaning sawdust off the shop's carpet, Melville invented and patented a one-of-a-kind sweeper. It didn't take long for friends and customers at the shop to ask about buying the sweeper, and when they did, a new business was born... bissell.com
Read more about Melville Reuben BISSELL
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Interurban Bridge
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Blodgett Hospital and Nurses Home
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Spanish-American War Memorial, Lookout Park
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Grand Rapids Furniture Museum
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Monroe Ave., Looking Northwest
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Hotel Rowe
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Grand River and Falls from Bridge St. Bridge and Grand Trunk R.R. Station
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Butterworth Hospital
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Civic Auditorium, 1949
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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Discover Grand Rapids: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1854 - Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids city, capital of Kent co., Michigan, is finely situated on the rapids of Grand River, 40 miles from its mouth, and 60 miles W. N. W. from Lansing. It is handsomely laid out on the left bank of the river, and has a pleasant and healthy situation, commanding a fine view of the river, and of the Indian mounds on the opposite shore. It is one of the most important and flourishing inland towns of the state, and a place of much activity in trade and manufactures. Large steamboats run daily from this place to Grand Haven, at the mouth of the river, where they connect with the lake steamers; and a smaller boat ascends from the head of the rapids to Lyons, which is about 50 miles distant by water. Salt and gypsum of good quality are found here ; limestone and pine lumber, and other materials for building, are abundant in the vicinity. Nearly 20 manufactories were in operation here in 1861. The river at this place is about 300 yards wide, and falls 18 feet in the course of a mile,... Read MORE...
Grand Rapids city, capital of Kent co., Michigan, is finely situated on the rapids of Grand River, 40 miles from its mouth, and 60 miles W. N. W. from Lansing. It is handsomely laid out on the left bank of the river, and has a pleasant and healthy situation, commanding a fine view of the river, and of the Indian mounds on the opposite shore. It is one of the most important and flourishing inland towns of the state, and a place of much activity in trade and manufactures. Large steamboats run daily from this place to Grand Haven, at the mouth of the river, where they connect with the lake steamers; and a smaller boat ascends from the head of the rapids to Lyons, which is about 50 miles distant by water. Salt and gypsum of good quality are found here ; limestone and pine lumber, and other materials for building, are abundant in the vicinity. Nearly 20 manufactories were in operation here in 1861. The river at this place is about 300 yards wide, and falls 18 feet in the course of a mile,... Read MORE...
1876 - September 19 - 1st carpet sweeper patented (Melville Bissell of Grand Rapids, Mich)
historyorb.com
Read more about Melville Reuben BISSELL
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Read more about Melville Reuben BISSELL
1880 - July 23 - 1st commercial hydroelectric power planet begins, Grand Rapids, Mich
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1895 - Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, a city of Michigan, capital of Kent co., at the head of steamboat navigation on Grand River," the junction of 6 railroads,—the Chicago & West Michigan, the Grand Rapids & Indiana, the Detroit, Grand Haven" Milwaukee, the Grand Rapids, Lansing & Detroit, the Grand River Valley, and the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern It is 60 miles W.N.W. of Lansing. The site is one of much natural beauty. The river here falls 18 feet in a mile; and on either side of the river is a canal, by means of which numerous mills receive their motive-power. The sawing and planing of pine and hard-wood lumber, and the manufacture of furniture, cooperage, and wooden ware, are leading industries. Farm-implements, iron goods, wire, leather, flour, machinery, beer, chemicals, white bricks, pawing: bricks, cement, stucco-plaster, and land-plaster are also extensively manufactured, there being near the town important gypsum-quarries. The town is generally well built, and numerous fine public and private... Read MORE...
Grand Rapids, a city of Michigan, capital of Kent co., at the head of steamboat navigation on Grand River," the junction of 6 railroads,—the Chicago & West Michigan, the Grand Rapids & Indiana, the Detroit, Grand Haven" Milwaukee, the Grand Rapids, Lansing & Detroit, the Grand River Valley, and the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern It is 60 miles W.N.W. of Lansing. The site is one of much natural beauty. The river here falls 18 feet in a mile; and on either side of the river is a canal, by means of which numerous mills receive their motive-power. The sawing and planing of pine and hard-wood lumber, and the manufacture of furniture, cooperage, and wooden ware, are leading industries. Farm-implements, iron goods, wire, leather, flour, machinery, beer, chemicals, white bricks, pawing: bricks, cement, stucco-plaster, and land-plaster are also extensively manufactured, there being near the town important gypsum-quarries. The town is generally well built, and numerous fine public and private... Read MORE...
1896 - An Aeronaut Killed
Grand Rapids, Mich., June 29. - Hiram Cole, twenty-six years old, a professional aeronaut, living in Big Rapids, Mich., fell thirty feet from his balloon while making an ascension at a surburban recort [sic] last evening and died shortly afterward.
Courier Journal
Louisville, Kentucky
June 30, 1896
Grand Rapids, Mich., June 29. - Hiram Cole, twenty-six years old, a professional aeronaut, living in Big Rapids, Mich., fell thirty feet from his balloon while making an ascension at a surburban recort [sic] last evening and died shortly afterward.
Courier Journal
Louisville, Kentucky
June 30, 1896
1905 - TRAIN CRASHES INTO STREET CAR
Four Probably Fatally Injured, Two Others Hurt, at Grand Rapids, Mich.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 1. — Six persons were injured, four probably fatally, tonight, when a Grand Rapids & Indiana northbound passenger train crashed into a street car at West Leonard street. The street car was tossed fifty feet. The injured:
Miss Nellie Folkarksim, arm and leg broken and injured internally, may die; Miss Mary Osling, cut about head and body; John Quist, arm broken, injured about head, may die; Motorman W. C. Gardiner, may die; Nicholas De Young, injured about head; John Lindstrom, hurt about head. All the injured were residents of Grand Rapids.
Duluth News-Tribune
Duluth, Minnesota
February 2, 1905
Four Probably Fatally Injured, Two Others Hurt, at Grand Rapids, Mich.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 1. — Six persons were injured, four probably fatally, tonight, when a Grand Rapids & Indiana northbound passenger train crashed into a street car at West Leonard street. The street car was tossed fifty feet. The injured:
Miss Nellie Folkarksim, arm and leg broken and injured internally, may die; Miss Mary Osling, cut about head and body; John Quist, arm broken, injured about head, may die; Motorman W. C. Gardiner, may die; Nicholas De Young, injured about head; John Lindstrom, hurt about head. All the injured were residents of Grand Rapids.
Duluth News-Tribune
Duluth, Minnesota
February 2, 1905
1910 - BIG CYCLONE RUINS CROPS
Michigan Section Storm Swept, and Creek Overflows, Flooding Houses.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 25. - A storm of cyclone proportions raged today north of Grand Rapids and crops, standing, timber and many buildings were ruined. The terrific wind was accompanied by a heavy rain.
Asylum Creek at Traverse City overflowed, flooding a number of residences.
Morning Oregonian
Portland, Oregon
August 26, 1910
Michigan Section Storm Swept, and Creek Overflows, Flooding Houses.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 25. - A storm of cyclone proportions raged today north of Grand Rapids and crops, standing, timber and many buildings were ruined. The terrific wind was accompanied by a heavy rain.
Asylum Creek at Traverse City overflowed, flooding a number of residences.
Morning Oregonian
Portland, Oregon
August 26, 1910
1912 - TORNADO
Grand Rapids, Mich, July 13. - Grand Rapids was hit early today by a cyclone that injured forty or more persons and did thousands of dollars worth of damage. The storm entered the city from the southwest about four o'clock. The first place struck was the city market and the Grand Rapids Central league base ball park adjoining.
The market was crowded with farmers and their teams as trading had just begun. As the storm struck, the roof of the ball park grand stand was lifted and hurled to pieced, being scattered all over the market.
A panic followed. Horses were killed and a great many persons hurt, some so badly they had to be sent to the hospital. The police reserves and fire department were called.
Sweeps Across City. The storm then swept across town striking the best residence district.
The base ball park and the city market received the brunt of the storm and at the market large injuries occurred.
It as just before the 4 o'clock opening bell rang that the tornado... Read MORE...
Grand Rapids, Mich, July 13. - Grand Rapids was hit early today by a cyclone that injured forty or more persons and did thousands of dollars worth of damage. The storm entered the city from the southwest about four o'clock. The first place struck was the city market and the Grand Rapids Central league base ball park adjoining.
The market was crowded with farmers and their teams as trading had just begun. As the storm struck, the roof of the ball park grand stand was lifted and hurled to pieced, being scattered all over the market.
A panic followed. Horses were killed and a great many persons hurt, some so badly they had to be sent to the hospital. The police reserves and fire department were called.
Sweeps Across City. The storm then swept across town striking the best residence district.
The base ball park and the city market received the brunt of the storm and at the market large injuries occurred.
It as just before the 4 o'clock opening bell rang that the tornado... Read MORE...
1916
Grand Rapids, a city of Michigan, capital of Kent co., at the head of steamboat navigation on the Grand River, at the junction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and other railroads. It is 60 miles WNW. of Lansing. The site is one of much natural beauty. The river here falls 18 feet in a mile. The sawing and planing of pine and hard-wood lumber and the manufacture of furniture, cooperage, and wooden-ware are leading industries, the manufacture of furniture alone employing upward of 16,000 hands. Farm-implements, wagons, iron goods, wire, leather, flour, machinery, beer, chemicals, white bricks, paving-bricks, cement, and calcined plaster are also extensively manufactured, there being near the town important gypsum-quarries. The town has numerous fine public and private edifices, various charitable and benevolent institutions, and contains the Michigan Soldiers' Home, the State Masonic Home, a United States court-house, public library (of 20,000... Read MORE...
Grand Rapids, a city of Michigan, capital of Kent co., at the head of steamboat navigation on the Grand River, at the junction of the Grand Rapids and Indiana, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and other railroads. It is 60 miles WNW. of Lansing. The site is one of much natural beauty. The river here falls 18 feet in a mile. The sawing and planing of pine and hard-wood lumber and the manufacture of furniture, cooperage, and wooden-ware are leading industries, the manufacture of furniture alone employing upward of 16,000 hands. Farm-implements, wagons, iron goods, wire, leather, flour, machinery, beer, chemicals, white bricks, paving-bricks, cement, and calcined plaster are also extensively manufactured, there being near the town important gypsum-quarries. The town has numerous fine public and private edifices, various charitable and benevolent institutions, and contains the Michigan Soldiers' Home, the State Masonic Home, a United States court-house, public library (of 20,000... Read MORE...
1945 - January 25 - Grand Rapids, Michigan becomes 1st US city to fluoridate its water
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Grand Rapids:
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: This is a stunning botanical garden with beautiful sculptures dotted throughout. It's a serene place to explore and enjoy nature's beauty.
ArtPrize: If you happen to visit during September or October, don't miss ArtPrize, an international art competition that takes over the entire city. Art installations are displayed in public spaces, galleries, and museums.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Learn about the life and legacy of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts related to his presidency and his time in Grand Rapids.
Downtown Market: A foodie's paradise! The Downtown Market features various vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, gourmet chocolates, and more. It's also a great place to grab a meal or a coffee.
Heritage Hill Historic District: Take a stroll through this charming historic district, which boasts beautiful Victorian-era homes and tree-lined... Read MORE...
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: This is a stunning botanical garden with beautiful sculptures dotted throughout. It's a serene place to explore and enjoy nature's beauty.
ArtPrize: If you happen to visit during September or October, don't miss ArtPrize, an international art competition that takes over the entire city. Art installations are displayed in public spaces, galleries, and museums.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Learn about the life and legacy of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. The museum houses exhibits and artifacts related to his presidency and his time in Grand Rapids.
Downtown Market: A foodie's paradise! The Downtown Market features various vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, gourmet chocolates, and more. It's also a great place to grab a meal or a coffee.
Heritage Hill Historic District: Take a stroll through this charming historic district, which boasts beautiful Victorian-era homes and tree-lined... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Grand Rapids Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about 132 ancestors who were born or died in Grand Rapids.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Grand Rapids.View Them Now
Genealogy Resources for Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan City Directories, 1889-90Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com: How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website
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MICHIGAN PRIDE - "I'm from Michigan" Ceramic Mug
Embrace your Michigan pride with a touch of humor and a splash of local charm! This mug features the playful caption: "I'm from Michigan! That explains a lot about my love for donuts with weird names and wearing flip-flops in winter."
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/15/2023 4:51:54 PM