This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
A portion of an 1884 map of Grand Rapids showing several streets with old names, including Crabapple Alley and Christ Street. /Courtesy: Grand Rapids Public Library
Burr Oak was called Seventh St. until it was re-named in 1892. It is only one of many area streets that changed names. /Photo by: Pete Tabberer
By Michael J. Page
A Very Brief History
The Village of Grand Rapids was incorporated in 1837. In the following decade, there was substantial growth. The village then became the City of Grand Rapids in 1850. At that time, the lands we call the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA) area were north of the established boundaries of the city and were mostly woods, orchards and farmlands.
Where Are We?
Fast forward to the spring of 1884. You and I are in northeast Grand Rapids at the corner of Madison Street and Reed Street, a stones throw east of Perry Street. We’re waiting for friends to arrive. One lives on Henrietta near King Court. Another is coming from the area of Crabapple Alley and Christ Street. When they arrive, it’s a short walk to the Plainfield Avenue School grounds (just north of Quimby Street) where I hope to try out for the Kent Baseball Club. I want to be a Hurler, but I can also play the Behind position. Afterward, we are meeting a group of neighbors at the corner of Carrier and Coit to discuss rumors about a new Catholic church being proposed for that area. They say it will be named St. Alphonsus Church. Time will tell.
Growth and Changes
In the coming years, our city will continue to grow rapidly due to the furniture industry and many other businesses. The north city limits will push to Sweet Street, then Knapp Street and beyond. Some streets will be named and then re-named … making for a confusing mess at first, but for the good of future generations.
Now and Then
Here is a list of CNA area street names that exist today, the former name of the street and the year of the change. Is your street listed here?
Now Then Year
Compiled by:
Michael J. Page
Nov. 2012
Sources:
* Grand Rapids City Directories, Grand Rapids Public Library – Main.
* History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan by Albert Baxter, 1891.
* 1844 Map of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Grand Rapids Public Library.
* StreetWise, by Jim Mencarelli; Grand Rapids Press, Nov. 22, 1987.
About the Author:
Michael J. Page is one of eight children born to Lucille M. and Charles P. Page. The Pages helped establish the Creston Neighborhood Association in the early 1980s. Michael is a local historian and works part-time at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. He is the author of “The Loren M. Page Family and the American Civil War”, published in Michigana (The Quarterly Magazine of the Western Michigan Genealogical Society), Volume 57, Number 1 Jan/Feb/Mar 2011.
The Rapidian, a program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Media Center, relies on the community’s support to help cover the cost of training reporters and publishing content.
We need your help.
If each of our readers and content creators who values this community platform help support its creation and maintenance, The Rapidian can continue to educate and facilitate a conversation around issues for years to come.
Please support The Rapidian and make a contribution today.
