My grandfather, Adrian Zuidweg, had an album of photos which included those from a parade in 1931. It seems most likely that the parade took place in Kalamazoo, Michigan–probably down Burdick Street. But I need help identifying the buildings to know for sure. Many of the business names that are readable seem pretty “generic.” These names include Montgomery Ward, Ross Carrier, Kroger Stores, and Grand Hotel.
I know the date because of this float, but I don’t understand the significance of the “centennial” aspect of the design.
The Light float is the last photograph in the album. Here are the others in order of placement. If you can find any signs that this is Kalamazoo–or elsewhere–please let me know.
It seems odd that there aren’t any clues in these photos that indicate the “local” setting of the parade. There are quite a few ladies of the court. Kalamazoo is home to Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, but I don’t see any references to the schools, so maybe a check of 1930-31 and a 1931-32 yearbooks would rule out the colleges as participants in the parade.
A clue that I can’t interpret: Benton Harbor Exchange. This does seem to indicate that the parade was in Michigan, but was it in Benton Harbor or St. Joseph or Kalamazoo? And what exactly was the Benton Harbor Exchange?
Another possible clue: see that tall building in the background of the “downtown” photos? If that building can be identified it might help to lock in the city.
Just before the parade photos is one photo of Grandpa with Grandma when they were boyfriend and girlfriend–before they got married in 1932. Sorry about the watermark in the wrong place. I added watermarks en masse for these photos.
Im guessing this is 2 different parades. In the first half of the pictures the tree leaves are thin and viewers are wearing coats. In the second half of the pictures (the city ones) men are in their shirts – no jackets, and the far off trees seem to have full leaves.
Good catch, Nancy. Another thing that supports your theory is that the angle of the camera is so different!
Could you get hold of some business directories from the time and check the address of Montgomery Ward in the places you think the parade(s) could have been. You’d be looking for one which had a Grand Hotel and a radio shop adjacent. Great photos; and a lovely mystery to work on!
Su, fabulous idea! I think I will see if it’s possible to try that for Benton Harbor, too.
Great. Hope that helps. Look forward to hearing the outcome if it does 🙂
I believe that this may be a different city–NOT Kalamazoo. The Montgomery Ward store seems to be in the wrong place, for one thing. Some of the businesses are not familiar. Mom (Janet Hanson)
I think you’re right, Mom. I felt like it was familiar, but “off.” And from looking at pix of other Michigan cities from that time period, they all kind of look the same!
I can’t help you with this one. Cool collection though.
Thanks, Amy! Hah, I guess not ;).
Maybe Benton Harbor?
Maybe. I need to see more old pix of Benton Harbor.
Look at Gramma’s haircut and, clothes: she could stroll the mall today and not appear at ALL out of place… Fascinating. ❤
I know! She looks so modern!!!
ComPLETELY. 😮
“Benton Harbor Exchange” could relate to a phone company, electric company, or train / interurban company. Or the Exchange Club. https://www.facebook.com/exchangeclubswmichigan/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Exchange_Club
It’s a stretch.
I think Su’s idea about city directories is good. To see what businesses are next to. And definitely check out Benton Harbor!
I believe it’s the Blossomtime Parade which is in St. Joseph since all the floats have flowers. Another clue is the sixth picture down (not counting the Light pic) is from Hartford, Michigan which is a city that has always been represented in the parade. It would also explain the Benton Harbor Exchange float too.