Glance at the Past

In 1885, Grand Rapids installed 40 towers topped with arc lights, to the citizens eventual dismay. Cherry Street was one of the most traveled roads and was densely populated with enough trees to render the tower light there useless. 1898 saw many of the tower lights switched out with drop lights.      

West of the Grand River was home of the Peach Ridge Growers Association formed in 1928. Farmers found the peachy soil to be just right for growing apples. The first apple smorgasbord was held in 1951 to build community through a growers picnic where attendees could enjoy apple fritters and apple butter.      

In this episode of Glance at the Past, take a gander at Grand Rapids under glass: the beginnings of greenhouses and forced seed propagation. Eugene Davis was the father of forced lettuce. These seeds became the standard of lettuce throughout the nation's markets.      

Leonard A Versluis puts WLAV-TV on the air as Grand Rapids' first television station.   

In this episode of Glance at the Past, learn about the Electric Light Baths used to make people feel frisky and tan. John H. Kellogg first developed this idea to be used in his sanitarium.      

A brief history of the types of diseases and number of deaths, is told from Secretary Wilson's 1898 Board of Health report.      

This episode shares the story of Chan Hoy and his quest to bring Chinese food to Grand Rapids for the first time ever in 1902.      

Located at the corner of Ottawa and Pearl, this building was the tallest in the city/state and the first in Grand Rapids to be solely used for offices. It was completed in 1892, in the style of H. H. Richardson.      

1904, the Ryerson Library opened to give Grand Rapidians a place for books. A renovation in 2003 made the Ryerson Library what it is today: the Grand Rapids Public Library.      

Gypsum mines play a major role in Grand Rapids' early industry.   

The story of Grand Rapids businessman and philanthropist Martin Ryerson.   

Grand Rapids Central High School tries an experimental school lunch program in 1902.      

It's been known to happen. It happened in Grand Rapids, MI, in January, 1898.      

This episode of Glance at the Past focuses on the role of horses in the city.      

This episode shares the history of Compau Square, formerly known as Grab Corners.  

Grand Rapids built its first public auditorium in 1933.      

A brief history about Grand Rapids' favorite son, Gerald R. Ford.      

In 1908, Arianna VanDoorn founded the Santa Claus Girls to bring cheer to boys and girls who, unfortunately, would not be receiving gifts at Christmas time.      

Maya Lin designed the central gathering area in downtown Grand Rapids.      

Grand Rapids original Indian Mounds have been replaced by reconstructions.