GR Gems

Christmas Day, 1965. Nancy K. Poppen of Muskegon is nine months pregnant. In fact, she’s about to burst. Her children, Wendy, 10 and Laurie, 5, are driving her absolutely crazy.

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital has delivered 7,370 babies so far in 2022. Here are the top names for girls and for boys:

Some of the best places in Grand Rapids do their part to share the city’s history.

A fine artist and poet, William Randolph (Randy) Brown came to Grand Rapids as a young man.

At the close of World War II, thousands of women came to the United States as war brides, mostly from Europe. Felipa Breguera was one of 2,215 Filipina women who immigrated to America between 1946-1950 under the War Brides Act.

After graduating from nursing school in the 1890s, Lulu L. Cudney worked as a registered nurse in Grand Rapids for more than 60 years. In 1951, she compiled a history of nursing in the community, including stories and photographs about dozens of local women.

Started by Lebanese immigrant Deeb Hattem in 1910, Hattem’s was a fixture at Wealthy and Division for nearly 60 years.

In 1947, employment options for Black Grand Rapidians were limited mostly to hotels, restaurants, domestic work or hard labor.

Sledding has long been a popular winter activity for kids in Grand Rapids.

The Merrie-Go-Round brought books to the community.

The Apartment Lounge is a haven for those in need of community.

Community organizing helped keep Charles Garfield’s legacy intact.

Blandford Nature Center founder was a hidden gem.

A group of Grand Rapids factory workers stood up for labor rights.

Dr. Eugene Browning paved the way for Black doctors in Grand Rapids.

Rev. David May ensured Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy grew in Grand Rapids.

This holiday scene shows what Christmas looked like in a house at 458 Adams St. SE, circa 1925.

The Jaycees ensured Santa Claus continued to visit Grand Rapids each year.

As Prohibition played out in Grand Rapids, local women were active on both sides of the issue.

An old ice cream sign leaves many questions unanswered.