From Grand Rapids to Black Eden: A Century of Connections to Idlewild
Sophia Ward Brewer | 10:00am – 10:45am
For more than a century , Grand Rapids and historic Idlewild, Michigan, have shared a connection shaped by families, friendships, property ownership, recreation, and a sense of community. This presentation explores that relationship from Idlewild’s early years to the present day. Learn about Grand Rapids residents who purchased property and helped shape the community, including Joe Ford, who began traveling to Idlewild in the 1910s and was at one point unofficially elected its “mayor.” The presentation will also highlight Grand Rapids families who continue to own property in Idlewild today and share what has kept generations returning to this historic African American resort community.
Restoring the Rocket: A Brief History of the Herpolsheimer’s Train
David Winnick | 11:00am – 11:45am
When the new Herpolsheimer’s department store opened in 1949, it included a fantastic attraction—a monorail that became known as Santa’s Rocket Express. The three-car monorail hung from the ceiling in the toy department and originally ran during the holiday season. Over the years thousands of children enjoyed trips on the monorail as it evolved from Santa’s Rocket Express into Santa’s Spaceship, the Caterpillar Express, the City Centre Express, and eventually ended its career as the Dino Express. David Winick will discuss the history of this iconic piece of Grand Rapids’ retail history as he relates how he meticulously restored it for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
A Close Look at the Grand Rapids Chicks’ Uniform
Andrea Melvin | 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Museums across the United States, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), carefully preserve uniforms of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Founded in 1943 during World War II by Philip Wrigley to boost home-front morale, the league evolved into the first professional female baseball league. This presentation closely examines the AAGPBL’s Grand Rapids Chicks team uniform in the GRPM collection. It uses object-based research, oral histories from GVSU, and visual sources to reveal how these garments were designed, worn, and modified by the players. These uniforms symbolize team pride and feminine expectations while also providing a compelling lens into the historical intersection of women’s fashion and professional sports.
Time to Hit the Books: Unearthing Hidden Research Treasures in the Library of Michigan’s Yearbook Collection
Adam Oster | 2:00pm – 2:45pm
School yearbooks offer a valuable window into Michigan communities, including places like Grand Rapids. Explore how the Library of Michigan’s collection can help identify historic buildings, schools, businesses, local traditions, and the people behind them. Learn practical strategies for navigating yearbook collections and discover complementary resources that enrich your research.
