This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
From turf to the White House by W. 8. Wolfan
Jerry Ford played high school football at Island Park in Grand Rapids where a rain soaked field and leaking grandstand defined a rough turf. Teammate Dick Zylstra recalls Ford’s steady leadership, tackling prowess, and quiet encouragement that helped teammates despite muddy conditions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wolfan
Jerry Ford
Island Park
Ford
Grand Rapids
Dick Zinstra
Chicago Heights
South
Rand Park
Zinstra
Zylstra
Grand Rapids Creston High School
Lass
Creston
East Grand Rapids
Reed Waterman
Fond
Waterman
Dylstra
Grand Rapids Union High
Switch Field
Union
Michigan High School Athletic Association
Sie
University of Michigan
Civic
Paul Goebel
Michigan
Harry Ripke
Wovierines
Janet Ford
Goebel
Wolverine
George Halas
Chicago Bears
Bears
Sto
Soldier Field
Halas
Derry Ford
Green Bay Packers
Curly Lambeau
Yales