Grand Rapids Retro

Follow us for retro images and interesting facts, all related to Grand Rapids, MI! Brought to you by the @GRMuseum

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This silk banner is a recent acquisition of the Museum that was donated by the #PolishHeritageSocietyGR. The Poland coat of arms can be seen in the center and each corner features a depiction of royalty or a religious leader (circa 1900).

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Geta are a type of traditional Japanese sandals that resemble flip flops or clogs. They have unique “teeth,” or pieces of wood attached to the soles and were designed to keep one’s kimono from dragging through the mud or snow.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This child's dress is made of a silk map of Europe that was carried by her father in his helmet during World War II.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This is the skull of a loggerhead sea turtle, species name Caretta caretta. Loggerheads are the most common sea turtle found in U.S waters. Their continuous population decline has kept this species listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1978.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This lava medallion was made from the lava of a volcano called Mount Vesuvius in Italy. (Circa 1880)

Mount Vesuvius is famously known for its 79 A.D. eruption, when it destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This cartonnage is part of an ancient Egyptian mummy of a woman named Nakhte-Bastet-Iru and dates to the Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, ca. 946-712 BCE

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

The Grand Rapids Fire Department used this ledger to keep record of the date, time, location, type of fire, members present, hours of service and the amount of hoses used to fight a fire. (Circa 1880)

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Yooperlites are syenite rocks rich in florescent sodalite. In normal light they look like plain grey rocks, but when exposed to a black light, they fluoresce.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This beaded bag tells the story of the Sioux Indians and the role that horses played in the rise and decline of their culture. Circa 1890

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Made of wood and metal, this coffee mill was patented on May 15, 1888.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Daylight provided workers at the former Phoenix Furniture Co. with enough light to hand paint chairs. Decorative paintings on furniture was a popular style during this time. This photograph was printed in @GRPress, January 1, 1924.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Who remembers the #SuperNintendo days? These became the best-selling consoles of the era, with nearly 50 million units sold.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

#HappyInternationalDanceDay! This grass skirt (circa 1944) shows Tahitian influence and was worn often for fast hip dances, which were popular in Tahiti and Fiji.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Remember this piece in GR for @ArtPrize 2009??

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

In celebration of Project 1 by @ArtPrize starting today, here is an image from the festival back in 2009.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

This is a poster for Labor Fest 2009, the theme for which was "Labor and Leonardo", held on Labor Day 2009 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. https://t.co/18r4CFZC47

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Chairmania is a collection of miniature chairs collected and curated by George Beylerian. Each piece was carefully selected to represent important design concepts such as marketing, transformation, culture, comfort, and Americana. Learn more at: https://t.co/O3cA4CCF05

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Trilobite, Relief part of the @GRMuseum Collection.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

Today the @GRMuseum celebrates the maker movement at Maker Faire! Many things are made or have been made right here in West Michigan, including furniture. This triangle chair was made by Stow & Davis Furniture Co. of Grand Rapids and Kentwood. Collection of @grmuseum.

[Grand Rapids Retro @OldTimeGR]

#throwbackthursday to 1925. Street view of Monroe, intersection at Michigan, Collections of the @GRMuseum