Local History Roundtable
Books
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Slaves Soldiers Citizens
"This is the story of the many African Americans who settled in Northwest Ottawa County, some as early as 1845. Many of them established homes and worked in the Tri-Cities of Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, and Spring Lake, as well as the surrounding townships from the early years of settlement to recent times. A few passed through quickly, but still left their mark, while others came and departed leaving little more than a trace."
Available at local bookstores |
For the Love of a Culture
In 2010, the Kutsche Office partnered with the Grand Valley American Indian Lodge to commemorate their 50th anniversary by publishing a history of the Lodge. The commemorative book, For the Love of a Culture, is now available. It features beautiful photographs, the complete story of the founding of the Lodge and its contributions to the people of West Michigan. The book inspires understanding, respect and appreciation for Native American people and their culture. Copies of the book can be obtained by contacting Lori Shustha at wabushna@yahoo.com.
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A New Home in Michigan:
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This book presents the story of the Mexican and Mexican-American people in the Muskegon area from the early twentieth-century to the present.
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Summers
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Summers in the Haven, a 130-page history (plus foreword and table of contents) that combines Steelcase Furniture’s David Hunting’s narrative, pictures of the time and place, and research on the events of which he speaks. In three interviews, Hunting told stories about his summers along the lakeshore in and near Grand Haven before the turn of the 20th Century. He provided a young person’s history of the community. In the rear of the book is a CD of the complete mp3 files from the three Hunting interviews. The book was produced by Ver Duins Inc. of Grand Haven under the direction of Mike Ver Duin.
Ron Kuiper, Grand Haven-area fourth grade teacher started the interviews in 1973 with Grand Valley State University professor, William Oldenburg. Most photos in the book come from Kuiper’s collection gathered over 50 years, but there are others from the Tri Cities Historical Museum, the Loutit District Library Local History Collection, The Grand Rapids Public Library Archives, and other individuals. Much of the research that supports Hunting’s stories comes from Loutit District Library and Grand Rapids Library.
In three interviews, Hunting told stories about his summers along the lakeshore in and near Grand Haven before the turn of the 20th Century. He provided a young person’s history of the community.
When Oldenburg died prematurely, the work slowed until Kuiper found David Schock, professor of writing and film production at Hope College. Together Kuiper and Schock transcribed the original taped interviews and brought the book to print and to life. “There have been so many people who have helped us in creating this little book,” said Schock. “We hope they and others enjoy reading it as much as we’ve enjoyed compiling it.”
The book went on sale Dec. 3 at The Bookman, 715 Washington, St., Grand Haven. Copies will also be sold at the Loutit District Library and the Tri Cities Historical Museum. The price is $23.95 for the book and the mp3 files.
Page last modified March 15, 2013
