2006

MADE IN GRAND LEDGE

Our 2006 exhibit, “Made in Grand Ledge” highlights the creative and industrious people who have made our town a unique and wonderful place to live. As you enter the Museum, to your left, you will see lovely examples of furnishings produced here in town. At one time, Grand Ledge was the home of three furniture manufacturers: Grand Ledge Furniture Co. (early 1900’s), Crawford Chair Co. (1902-1931; it burned down in 1943), and the Grand Ledge Chair Co. (1883-1981 – currently Riverwalk Apts. on Perry St.). Notice the unusual “invalid” chair. Above the desk by the front door is a portrait of Mr. Edward Turnbull. He was the major owner of the Grand Ledge Chair Company. The unusual quilt on the wall is made of scraps of upholstery material from the Chair Co. Other artwork in this area includes paintings and photography by Sally LaFontzee, Edith Steffner, and Image Projections.

The right side of the front room has a variety of side chairs, including a rocking chair and side chair given to Harley & Esther Kinne for their wedding in 1932. At the pump organ you will see LP’s and sheet music by local composers and performers. In the hutch, are samples of etched glass (Fox Custom Glass), ceramics, pottery (Piece of Mine), clocks (Adam Fitzgerald), and sample chair backs from the Grand Ledge Chair Co.

As you enter the Middle Room, to your left, is a display highlighting J & K Steamboat Lines (in business from 1976 to present). There are photos and models of the boats, including the Princess Laura (1986) and the Michigan Princess (1991). To your right, is a working model of the Russell Coal Mine (1917-1927). At one time there were 20 coal mines along the river. Against the far wall is a quilt made by the Grand Ledge Stitchery Guild in 1984. Right below the quilt are examples from ETM Corp. (fabricated auto parts) and Bitzenburger fletching tools.

In the two cases in this room, one showcases clay folk art produced at Grand Ledge Clay Products (1907-1986),and American Vitrified Co., during the 1920’s through the 1980’s. There are examples of clay tiles from the Clay Products, as well as, American Vitrified Co. (c.1910-1960’s). Notice the very large Stockholders tile. The other case in the room features many Grand Ledge manufacturers, including Vanater knives (1895-c.1910), Parsons Chemical (1917-1979), and Hamill Homes (c. 1940’s-c.1960’s). Clothiers and Milliners are also featured in this room.

As you enter the kitchen you will see jugs and tins from early grocery and meat markets on the stove. Honey and maple syrup producers from 1903 to the present are on display in the stove area, also. There is an early iron and ironing board (board made in Wacousta), and a display of milk bottles from local dairies.

On the back porch are more items manufactured in Grand Ledge, including an one- bottom plow, a stoneboat, a stitching horse, and feed sacks from Grand Ledge Produce Co. (c.1920-1993) and Michigan Seed Co.(1951-today, Michigan Seed Solutions).

Tours for school groups and bus tours can be arranged by calling (517) 627-5170 or (517) 627-2452.