Join longtime journalist Gordon Beld on a historical tour of the Furniture City. Gleaned from the best of Beld's work for Grand Rapids Magazine, this collection weaves together intriguing vignettes highlighting the unique character of the Grand Rapids people and their community. Get a glimpse into the lives of famous leaders Gerald Ford and Arthur Vandenberg and marvel at Harry "Human Fly" Gardiner, who scaled the buildings of downtown Grand Rapids. Take a nostalgic trip down to Reed's Lake, where the streetcars will drop you off at Ramona Gardens to dance the night away. Find the grand in Grand Rapids just don't get lost in Saddlebag Swamp on the way.
Retired Michigan reporter Gordon Beld continues to write for Grand Rapids Magazine. He has written for Grand Rapids Press, the Grand Rapids Herald and Michigan History Magazine. Beld is the author of "A Gentle Breeze from Gossamer Wings" and "Grand Times in Grand Rapids: Pieces of Furniture City History."