Jess Elster was a symbol of semi-pro baseball. He came to Grand Rapids in 1904 and played his first season as a catcher the next year. When he died in December of 1950, he had been "Mr. Baseball" of the city for almost 50  years.

Jess Elster is Dead

The Grand Rapids Historical Commission Podcast features "A Glance at the Past," a local history radio project. Take a listen to give you a glimpse of Grand Rapids in the past.

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The early roads into the village of Grand Rapids were along Indian trails, and the influence of these trails on the city can still be seen today.

Roads and Streets

The only institution of its kind in the world, the Michigan Fish Commission's hatchery was located within three miles of Grand Rapids.

Mill Creek Bass Hatchery

The Irish seemed to have followed the direction of the westward movement on the Erie Canal and later the railroads.

The Irish

The first trade established in the village of Grand Rapids was that of blacksmith, and the carpenters were not far behind.
 

Blacksmiths and Carpenters

Two fine elm trees stood on Bostwick St. At least three feet in diameter, and sixty feet high, their wide tops shaded both sides of the street. The city was ready to cut them down.

Jess Elster is Dead

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