A Grand Rapids Flashback to 1946! What Was it Like Back Then?

Here is a little bit of fun for you. A Grand Rapids Flashback to 1946. The War was over, the town was growing, things were at a more relaxed pace, and we didn't have expressways. How did we ever get around? Very well, thank you. Grand Rapids was on the move.

I found this old film produced by the Grand Rapids Amateur Movie Club so I captured some pictures from the movie to share. It's kind of  fuzzy and hazy do to age, and it's conversion to VHS tape, remember that?  But, non the less, fun to look back to see what life in Grand Rapids was like in 1946.

MONROE AVENUE LOOKING BACK TOWARD THE PANTLING HOTEL (NOW THE AMWAY)

MONROE AVENUE WITH STEKETEE'S DEPARTMENT STORE ON THE LEFT

GRAND RAPIDS CITY HALL BUILD IN 1885 AND DEMOLISHED IN 1969

GRAND RAPIDS FIRE DEPARTMENT FIGHTING A DOWNTOWN FIRE

WELSH AUDITORIUM (Only this facade remains today)

GRAND RAPIDS WATER SUPPLY STATION

We have been blessed to have fine medical care and multiple hospitals in Grand Rapids for many years. Today, Grand Rapids has become a medical destination with our medical mile, Michigan State University's Medical School, Van Andel Research Institute, Michigan State's Research center, Helen  DeVos Children's Hospital, and so much more. Even in 1946, we had our four main hospitals.

ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL

BLODEGETT HOSPITAL

BUTTERWORTH HOSPITAL

OSTEOPATHIC HOSPITAL

THE ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET (probably the Fulton Street Market)

Summertime fun for families and kids was always a plus in Grand Rapid. There were public swimming pools and lakes around the city.

RICHMOND PARK POOL

REEDS LAKE AND RAMONA PARK

REEDS LAKE AND RAMONA PARK CRUISE PADDLE SHIP

Planes, trains and automobiles were our mode of transportation. Air travel was beginning the "take off," and our first airport was in what is now a huge residential area.

ORIGINAL KENT COUNTY AIR PORT (along Eastern Avenue, south of 32nd Street, SE)

Golf was growing in Grand Rapids with several Country Clubs.

KENT COUNTRY CLUB

BLYTHFIELD COUNTRY CLUB (swimming pool overlooking the valley)

CASCADE HILL COUNTRY CLUB

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB (later to become the Elks Club, and return to the name Highland's in it's final few years.

A fun Grand Rapids Flashback to 1946!