John & Marlene 2015 Summer trip: Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, located about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Dubbed the "furniture city" in the late 19th century because of all the furniture manufacturers that were located here, it lost that honor to High Point, NC; Grand Rapids still has numerous office furniture companies here, including Steelcase. In 1945 the city was the first in the nation to introduce fluoride into their drinking water.

As manufacturers moved overseas, Grand Rapids lost many companies and jobs. In 2011 Newsweek called Grand Rapids a dying city. The city took umbrage and produced a music video in protest, called the Grand Rapids LipDub; which Roger Ebert called he greatest social music video ever, and, has since, entertained some 5.3 million viewers. It is on you tube; I tried to copy a shortcut onto the blog, but I just can't figure out how to do it. If you are interested in watching, just google it; it's easy to find. 5000 people participated in the production, a true community effort.

We found the city very nice. As in many cities, benefactors contributed greatly to the public spaces/buildings. That's what we need in Hilton Head, some generous benefactors. Of note in Grand Rapids: Frederick Meijer, developed 190 Meijer hypermarkets (think super Walmarts). He became a multi-billionaire and contributed greatly to the city including the world class Meijer botanical and sculpture gardens. Also, Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos, two very entrepreneurial college dropouts who started Amway in their basement; they also became multi-billionaires and their philanthropy is evident all throughout the city.

Gerald Ford was from Grand Rapids; excelled in football in college, passed up a chance to play in the pros and instead went to Yale law school. President for just a short time, nevertheless, his experience in defense related affairs helped complete the Salt II talks with Breznev, finalize our exit from VietNam and bring closure to the Nixon era with his controversial pardon. Pilloried as a bumbling, naïve caretaker (especially on Saturday Night Live), he was widely regarded for his integrity and his ability to get things done; his most ardent supporter, Henry Kissinger. Kissinger's comments at Ford's funeral were eloquent and moving; he said Ford was one of the great men of his time. I think Ford's reputation as a President has been getting better over time.

Sculpture of a lineman at the museum

Meijer's sculptures include ones by Henry More and Rodin; here a fun one called "Broken Nose Carrying a Bottle". Zoom in on the picture; see if you can see the broken nose.