175 Pictures
for 175 Years:
A Mobile
Museum Exhibit
In celebration of the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids' incorporation, The City of Grand Rapids and The Grand Rapids Public Museum present 175 photos highlighting key moments for each year of its history.
This exhibit is making its way around the city, displaying in several locations. This digital component of the display provides insights into each photo.
The Anishinaabe
The Owashtanong (Grand River) has been home to many different cultures. Paleo-Indians occupied the land about 13,000 years ago, shortly after the last glaciers retreated. The Mound Builders settled along the Owashtanong around 100 BCE. The remnants of their earthworks and burial mounds can be seen scattered across the region and along Indian Mounds Drive. The Anishinaabek were the next to arrive. Led by a prophecy, they left their homes on the west coast of Turtle Island (North America), journeying west until they found food that grew on the water. When the Anishinaabek found manoomin (wild rice), they settled in Michigan.
The Anishinaabek comprise the Three Fires Council: the Odawa (Ottawa), Ojibwe (Chippewa), and Bodewadomi (Potawatomi). Seeing an opportunity to trade with the Chimokomaan (Europeans), the Odawa established permanent villages along the Owashtoanong around 1700. The largest of these villages was Bawaating (Grand Rapids). Madame La Framboise, of Odawa and French descent, established a post in 1806 with her husband. After his death, she continued to run the trading post, becoming one of the most successful fur traders in the Northwest Territory. The area was important not only as an economic hub but also as a significant meeting place.
The 1821 Treaty of Chicago ceded lands south of the Grand River to the United States. In 1826, Louis Campau established a settlement in Bawaating, laying the foundation for the city of Grand Rapids. The Anishinaabek still reside along the Owashtanong, adapting their culture and traditions for a modern world.
Members of the Community Advisory Council for the Norton Mounds National Historic Landmark Cultural Resource Project meet at Millenium Park in 2004 to help guide the stewardship of the Mounds.
The Anishinaabek began a 500-year journey west to the land where food grows on the water.
Citing economic opportunities, the Odawa established permanent villages along the Grand River.
Joseph and Madeline La Framboise established the first trading post on the Grand River in Ada. Madame La Framboise became the first woman entrepreneur in Michigan.
Louis Campau established a small settlement later known as Grand Rapids.
Founded in 1910 as the Grand Rapid Art Association, the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s initial collection was assembled and relocated to a Greek Revival residence in 1924 and renamed the Grand Rapids Art Museum. This image depicts a gallery, tapestries, and statues on exhibit in 1929.
The Early Years (1850-1874)
In its early years, Grand Rapids’ history began with indigenous peoples, followed by European settlement in the early 1800s, with Louis Campau, the “father of Grand Rapids,” establishing a trading post and blacksmith shop in 1826. The area became a village in 1838 and a city in 1850, quickly gaining renown as “America’s ‘Furniture City'”. These photos from local community museums and archives document the first 25 years of Grand Rapids history as an official city.
This is an image of the meeting minutes from May 1, 1850 when a vote was held to accept the city charter.
The first photographs of Grand Rapidians were made in the 1850s using the daguerreotype process.
Grab Corners in Grand Rapids, now called Campau Square.
This maps shows that by 1853 the city's streets have become more systematic and organized as blocks.
Founded in 1854 as the Grand Rapids Lyceum of Natural History, the Museum’s first collections were the “Cabinets of Curiosities” put together by important civic leaders such as John Ball.
A plank road connecting Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo was completed in 1855.
The oldest surviving painting of Grand Rapids. Painted by Sarah Nelson.
The city's first synagouge, Temple Emanuel is founded in 1857.
In July 1958, the railroad came to town.
The Grand Rapids Grays, just before the Civil War.
This photograph shows the Old Stone High School located at Ransom and Lyon Streets, now the site of Grand Rapids Community College.
Islands in the Grand River sketch by Mary Cuming.
George Brandt and Company's Union Brewery was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan during the Civil War. In 1893, the brewery consolidated with six other breweries to form the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.
1st Michigan Engineers And Mechanics Building The Elk River Bridge.
This photograph shows a banner celebrating Abraham Lincoln's election flying over Monroe Avenue in 1864. The banner reads "Lincoln and Johnson. Freedom and the Union".
Cadette Everett Fitch (1840-1927) was a teacher, artist, and community leader in Grand Rapids in 1865.
This portrait is of James Minisee (1823-1913), a freedman who moved his family from New York and settled in West Michigan in 1866.
Anton and Victoria Stiller are recorded as the first Polish settlers in Grand Rapids, Michigan from Trzemeszno, Poland. He opened a tailor shop and later founded St. Adalbert's Aid Society, an organization built to support Polish immigrants and St. Adalbert's Church.
Sweet's Hotel Constructed
The employees of an early Grand Rapids furniture factory gather for a photograph
The Boulevard Inn on Cherry Street near Diamond was built in 1870. For decades it was the site of dog fights, cock fights, pugilistic exhibitions, political meetings, and other unsavory activities.
The Grand Rapids Board of Education, was formed in 1871 when the Districts No.1, No. 2, and No. 6 (Coldbrook) were consolidated. One of the first decisions of the newly established Board was to clarify the names of the schools.
Founded in 1872, this is the original charter for St. Adalbert's Aid Society, also known as 5th Street Hall. The current building was built in 1892 at 701 5th Street NW in Grand Rapids.
This photograph shows a view of the fire that consumed major parts of downtown Grand Rapids on July 13, 1873.
Built in 1874, Comstock Row was tenement housing for employees in Charles Comstock's pail factory and was located south of Leonard Street on Monroe Ave., NW. This picture depicts several men, women, and children outside the building.
1875-1899
The late 19th Century was a time for Grand Rapids businesses to flourish. The furniture and beer industries were a few examples of businesses that put Grand Rapids on the map. Children and young adults were provided with educational opportunities, while citizens enjoyed leisure time at local parks and were patrons of the arts.
This image depicts a Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad wood-burning locomotive and caboose with a group of employees standing on top of the cars. It was taken around 1875.
This 1876 image shows the decorated arch for the Centennial Celebration. Several horse-drawn wagons are on the street. A restaurant on the left advertises soda water and ice cream, breakfast, dinner and supper, and 25 cent oysters. Sweet's Hotel is behind the arch on the left.
The first telephone call in Grand Rapids was made on October 30, 1877. This image depicts early telephone company officials in 1905.
Grand Rapids first furniture exhibition attracted buyers from around the nation.
Engine House #6 construction began in 1877 and was in service by 1879. You can go see this building on Lake Michigan Drive in Standale.
The first industrial use of hydroelectric power in the United States was on July 24, 1880 in Grand Rapids. This photo is looking north from Pearl St along William Thompson Powers’ West Side Water Power Canal.
Electrical street lights were activated.
Pictured here in the 1880s, St. James Catholic Church was established in Grand Rapids in 1872.
Heavy rains led to a log jam on the Grand River.
John Stryker opened a flour, feed, and wood store on Grandville Avenue in the late 1870s. Around 1884 the store moved to 278 Grandville (668 Grandville Ave SW after 1912).
Construction of the Grand Rapids City Hall began.
Grand Rapids School Furniture Co. founded. This photo from 1938 was a historic display celebrating the company's history. They inaugurated their factory in Grand Rapids in 1888 and changed their name to American Seating Company in 1906.
Specialized carriage shops like Russell and Simmon Carriage Shop in Grand Rapids that built and repaired carriages played an important role in transportation in the 19th century. Carriages were increasibly popular at this time and a symbol of social status.
The first Edison Plant was built in 1888 at the corner of Fulton and Ottawa and the steam heating plant was added in 1897. Their introduction marked the beginning of centralized electricity and heating services in Grand Rapids. This photograph shows the Plant in c. 1910.
Anna Bissell became the CEO of Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company after the death of her husband Melville R. Bissell. She was known as the first female CEO in America.
Photograph of one of the earliest forms of public transit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Valley City Street and Cable Railway #1.
The zoo opens to the public. This early photo shows young children riding a camel at John Ball Park Zoo.
The paper that would become The Grand Rapids Press was founded when the Morning Press and Evening Leader were combined into a single paper.
St. Cecilia Music Center is established as the as the St. Cecilia Society by nine Grand Rapids women. This is a photo from St. Cecilia Quintette circa 1920. Pictured are Miss Amy Hudson (viola), Mrs. John Dietrich (cello), Miss Maria Lund (piano), Mrs. C.B. Newcomb (second violin), and Miss Hazel Clark (first violin).
Since 1894, the Grand Rapids Historical Society has been collecting and preserving the heritage of the Grand River Valley, commonly known today as West Michigan. The Society not only preserves and protects our history, but also presents it to the community in the hopes of encouraging historical study through new generations.
Six former brewers, Kusterer Brewing, Tusch Bros., George W. Brandt, Veit & Rathman, Adolph Goetz, and Frey Bros., consolidated and formed The Grand Rapids Brewing Company. The cornerstone was laid in 1895 for their new building (now demolished) on the corner of Michigan and and Ionia Street.
Bicycles were becoming a popular form of transporation in Grand Rapids in the warmer months.
Mary Angelina Gilbert and Indigenous Woman pose at a Street Fair in GR.
The second and final year of the Carnival of Fun Event in Grand Rapids. This large-scale event was seen as an economic boost for the city, however, the increase in immoral behavior associated with the event made it controversal and many opposed the event.
Beverly became the first African American teacher at GRPS in 1899. She taught at congress Elementary. She was also a GRPS alumni.
1900-1924
The Twentieth Century saw Grand Rapids continuing to move forward with business and industry. However, a major strike would change the course of the city for years to come. Another change would be the arrival of the automobile, which would have a major impact on every American city. During this time, some iconic Grand Rapids buildings were built.
Grand Rapids Flora: A Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns Growing Without Cultivation in the Vicinity of Grand Rapids, Michigan was published by Emma J. Cole. The only known photo of Emma Cole dates to 1910.
The cornerstone for the library is laid. Library was founded in 1871.
Madame Augusta Schultze was an entrepreneur, business owner, and pioneer for women in Grand Rapids. Known for her skill in millinery and costumes, the beginning of her business traces back to around 1873 when she began producing clothing and accessories. This image shows the interior of her shop around 1903.
On March 26-28, 1904 after a spring snow melt combined with rain and warm temperatures, the Grand River flooded 5 feet over its banks. It caused significant damage to the West Side of the city.
This image shows the Wealthy Street Bridge and Jesiek Boat Company in the early 1900s.
The Grand Rapids Wolverines finished first in the 1906 Central League with a record of 99-52. The team played at Loyalty Park and Ramona Park.
The Austin Automobile Company was formed in 1901 in Grand Rapids. This image features their 1907 Model LX-T.
Grand Rapids was home to the first women's curling club.
Frank Lloyd Wright built the Meyer May House in 1909. This is the earliest known photo of the family in front of the home in 1919.
Middleweight boxing champion Stanley Ketchel was laid to rest in Grand Rapids following his tragic death in 1910.
In mid-April 1911, growing tensions between furniture manufacturers and factory workers erupted in a city-wide strike. This portrait of a group of policemen has a newspaper headline accompanying the image that reads “The 'Riot Squad' of the Police Department That Has Served During Grand Rapids' Big Furniture Strike. Photo by Poisson."
The Grand River steam boat May Graham is believed to be the last side-wheeler on the Grand River.
Construction began on the Pantlind Hotel and it opened in 1913. This photo shows the hotel in 1924.
Founded in 1914, the Grand Rapids Junior College, later known as the Grand Rapids Community College, was the first community college in Michigan. This photo shows their 1929 basketball team.
The Grand Rapids National Bank was built in 1915 as a much shorter version of what we know today as the McKay Tower. The upper floors were not added until 1925.
The famous illusionist and escape performer made a visit to Grand Rapids in 1916. Houdini was placed in a straightjacket and was handcuffed over the Grand Rapids Savings Bank building.
The Grand Rapids Wholesale Grocery Company was founded in 1917 and would later become Spartan Stores.
1918 marked the end of World War I. Banners like this were hung in Grand Rapids to welcome home troops.
In 1919, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, was passed by Congress. The photo depicts three members of the League of Women Voters as they prepare their car for an election parade. At right is Callie (Smith) Amberg (1891-1971), president of the League of Women Voters, and her young children David and Mary. On the left is Florence Shelley and Grave Van Hoesen, the latter executive secretary of the league.
The prohibition began in 1920. This image depicts a group of adults and kids with protest signs that read "No Beer" and "We Want Milk".
In 1921, the cornerstone was laid for the Marywood Motherhouse. This was home to many nuns who were part of the Dominican Sisters.
The new Y.W.C.A. building opened in 1922 with over 4,000 in attendance for its dedication.
The Rowe Hotel opened in 1923 and was a luxury, "fire-proof" hotel that offered much-needed downtown accomodations, especially for the City's semi-annual Furniture Market. It's now a mixed use residential and retail building.
Founded in 1910 as the Grand Rapid Art Association, the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s initial collection was assembled and relocated to a Greek Revival residence in 1924 and renamed the Grand Rapids Art Museum. This image depicts a gallery, tapestries, and statues on exhibit in 1929.
The first African American baseball team was founded in Grand Rapids in 1900.
1925-1949
Grand Rapids would experience the Great Depression, and the community was called to help with the war effort. This was also the time of the Great Migration, changes in immigration, Prohibition, and the early days of a boom that led to post-war prosperity.
Founded in 1925, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the nation and is still a with us today.
The United States' first regularly scheduled airline service began on July 31, 1926 between Grand Rapids and Detroit.
This 1927 photo depicts early homes and an Ottawa Hills sign in the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood.
In 1928, Division Avenue was widened to allow busses and automobiles more room on the road.
This photograph was taken in 1929 when Elaine Jeanne Neuman was two years old. It was taken in front of the home of her grandparents on Boston Street. A door-to-door photographer went around taking photographs of children in his wagon pulled by a goat for 25 cents. Elaine's parents moved into the home during the Great Depression which is generally considered to have started in the United States in 1929.
Dr. Pearl Kendrick and Dr. Grace Eldering of the Michigan Department of Health laboratory in Grand Rapids improved existing vaccines for pertussis vaccine (whooping cough) and conducted the first successful and large scale clinical trial. This photo features Kendrick and an unidentified colleague around 1930.
Scrip was issued as payment by the City of Grand Rapids to people who worked for the city under a special program developed during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The city would hire unemployed citizens to perform a wide variety of jobs in city departments. The scrip was redeemable for a variety of goods at a city run store.
Richmond Park Pool and Bath House officially opened on July 13, 1932. Around 6,000 west-siders attended the opening ceremonies which began with swimming and diving competitions and was complete with a high school band "perched on top of the filtration plant."
This 1933 photo shows the first appearance of the Shrine Circus in Grand Rapids three weeks after the new Civic Auditorium first opened its doors to the public.
Artist Kreigh Collins was encouraged by his parents to pursue his love of drawing. He became inspired after viewing an exhibit of landscapes at the Grand Rapids Art Gallery. This Michigan scene was painted by Collins in 1934.
Famed Grand Rapids artist Reynold Weidenaar attended Kendall College of Art and Design for one year in 1935.
The city celebrated the Furniture Centennial in 1936 with a huge parade and pageants.
Sullivan Field (formally Valley Field) was built in 1937 with WPA funds. Satchel Paige played at the field more than once and the Grand Rapids Black Sox, a Negro League team owned by local legend Ted Rasberry, also played at the field.
In Grand Rapids, both Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Art Museum have major holdings of paintings by the academic impressionist artist Mathias Alten. It is estimated that this German-born artist completed close to 3,400 paintings, most of West Michigan scenes. In 1938 he died leaving a lasting legacy.
Prior to 1940 Grand Rapids water was supplied by the Grand River. In 1939, a transmission main facilitating the transition to Lake Michigan's water supply was built in Ottawa County.
In 1940, the Grand Rapids Public Museum building, constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), opened on Jefferson Ave SE in Grand Rapids.
During World War II, Grand Rapids and Kent County residents joined the war effort. This photograph shows decorated World War II hero Ralph Hauenstein being greeted by a British officer in Reykjavik, Iceland in September 1941.
All aspects of life were affected by World War II. This booklet from c. 1942 is a WOOD Radio publication detailing how radio is helping to win World War II.
Grand Rapids South High School students purchased a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber named "The Spirit of South High" in 1943. They raised $375,000 through the sale of war bonds, exceeding their initial goal of $75,000 for a fighter plane.
The mussel shell button industry was significant in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, harvesting the mother-of-pearl from the Grand River. By the 1930s and 40s, the industry suffered due to the rapid decline of mussels from over-harvesting. The decline in Michigan was so severe that in 1944 the Michigan Conservation Commission declared a closed period of five years for the mussels to re-establish themselves naturally.
In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water. This photo shows fluoride being added to the Grand Rapids water supply.
The post–World War II Baby Boom began in 1946 and continued until 1964. Michigan peaked in 1957 with over 200,000 babies born.
The Grand Rapids Chicks won the 1947 All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Championship.
Gerald R. Ford ran for Congress in 1948 and served as the U.S. representative from Michigan's 5th congressional district from 1949 to 1973.
Post-war prosperiy came to Grand Rapids as the City was awarded the All America City Award by the National Civic League in 1949.
1950-1974
Things were changing in post-war Grand Rapids. Segregation was coming to an end, and the United States would be involved in another war, but this one would divide the nation. During this time, children would board a famous train and try a new breakfast item from a Grand Rapids native.
1950 marked the start of the Korean War and, along with the rest of the nation, Grand Rapids service members were soon dispatched. This medal was awarded to Sergeant Russell Spencer of Grand Rapids who served in the United States Army until 1955.
The Fox De Luxe Brewing Company closed in 1951, starting a drought of breweries in Beer City that would last decades.
In 1952, Fat Boy Burger opened in Creston Neighborhood.
This 1953 photograph shows the Grand Rapids Rockets, a hockey team in the International Hockey League (IHL).
Grand Rapids played an active role in the American Civil Rights Movement which focused on ending discrimmination and segregation in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Herpolsheimer Train was a unique feature in Herpolsheimer's Department Store in Grand Rapids. In 1955, it was featured in the December 15 issue of Life Magazine.
Grand Rapids companies like Herman Miller, Widdicomb, and many others played an important role in mid-century modern furniture design and manufacturing. The iconic Eames Lounge Chair was introduced in 1956.
In 1957, the Grand Rapids Times was founded. It was a weekly newspaper that featured stories affecting African-Americans locally, statewide, and nationally.
The US-131 S-Curve was announced in 1958.
Marion Ladewig of Grand Rapids was named female bowler of the year nine times between 1950 and 1963. This image depicts Ladewig around 1959.
During his presidential campaign in 1960, John F. Kennedy visited Grand Rapids.
In 1961, Evangeline Lamberts who was the first woman elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission, was sworn in.
Thrifty Acres, the predecessor of Meijer, opened on 28th Street in 1962. It was the nation's first "supercenter" to include full grocery and general merchandise.
Roger B. Chaffee of Grand Rapids was selected as an astronaut for the NASA Astronaut Group 3 in 1963.
In 1964, Kellogg's Pop-Tarts were invented by Grand Rapids native Bill Post.
Ted Rasberry started the "first integrated little league program in Grand Rapids" in 1965.
This 1966 image of Grand Rapids urban renewal shows the old architecture with the new.
Helen Jackson Claytor served as the Board President for the National YWCA from 1967 to 1973.
Urban renewal in Grand Rapids called for demolishing up to 75% of the Heritage Hill neighborhood, leading to the formation of the Heritage Hill Association in 1968. Their efforts led to the neighborhood being added to the National Register of Historic Places and the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites in 1971.
Alexander Calder's La Grande Vitesse sculpture was dedicated in 1969.
In 1970, Festival became the first grand celebration of the arts in West Michigan. Inspired by La Grande Vitesse, the festival took place in downtown Grand Rapids.
Lyman Parks was elected as Grand Rapids First African American Mayor in 1971
The 5th Annual WLAV Raft Race on August 11, 1973 had over 1,200 rafts enter into the race.
Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids became the 38th President of the United States of America. He served from August 9, 1974 – January 20, 1977.
1975-1999
2000-2025
There's More History Where That Came From:
The GRPM's Digital Collections
The Grand Rapids Public Museum preserves a Collection of over 250,000 artifacts and scientific specimens. The Museum is continuing to add new content for students, teachers and researchers around the world to explore the Digital Collection.