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Grand Rapids (City port of entry)

a city, port of entry, and county-seat of Kent co., Mich.; on both sides of the Grand river, and on the Pere Marquette, the Michigan Central, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, and several other railroads; 60 miles N. W. of Lansing. There is direct steamboat communication with Chicago, Milwaukee, and other cities. It is the second largest city in the State in population and commercial importance. Area, 18 square miles. Business Interests. The Grand river at this point has a fall of 18 feet, suppaying excellent water power for the extensive manufacture of school furniture, bicycles, brass goods, flour, brushes, felt, carpet sweepers and refrigerators. The gypsum quarries of Grand Rapids have the largest output in the world. In 1919 there were 3 National banks and several private banking institutions. The exchange at the United States clearing house here amounted to $272,016,000.

Public Interests. - The city has an excellent system of streets and electric lighting and waterworks plants, both owned by the city. The noteworthy buildings include the City Hall, St. Cecelia and Peninsular Club Houses, Briggs and Blodgett Blocks, Pythian Temple, County, Federal and Y. M. C.

GRANITE CITY A. buildings and numerous churches.

There are many public schools and the Central High School. Among the charitable institutions are the Michigan State Soldiers' Home, Union Benevolent Home, Masonic Home, and Catholic Home.

The city has a splendid system of pleasure grounds and public parks. History. Grand Rapids was settled in 1833 on the site of an Indian village, and incorporated as a city in 1850. Pop. (1910) 112,571; (1920) 137,634.