Parking Lot Construction: As part of our ongoing work to maintain and improve Central Library, the parking lot will be closed for construction from Tuesday, July 28, to Saturday, August 1. Visit the Central Library page for more details. 

Notice of Public Meeting: Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees | July 27 | 5:30 pm | Central Library/Van Deusen Room. The packet of information for the meeting can be found on the library’s website. 

Local History

Biographies

Hodgman, Francis

History reminds us that it isn’t always the big and medium size cities that produce transformative individuals. Francis Hodgman was born and lived in the small village of Climax for most of his life, but left an indelible legacy.

Roberson, James Bryce

For a dozen years, Bryce Roberson worked as a musician and sound engineer for Chess Records in Chicago. He later moved to Kalamazoo and established Uncle Dirty’s Sound Machine Studios, where he recorded many of West Michigan’s best-known musicians.

Roberts, Duane L.

Duane L. Roberts was a native son of Kalamazoo, and one of its most important voices for community change for more than three decades. At the time of his death…

Roberts, Flora B.

When Flora B. Roberts began her twenty-four year career as chief librarian of the Kalamazoo Public Library in February 1918, she found the library in complete disarray. Her initial lofty goals were to re-catalog the entire 50,000 volume collection...

Schippers, Thomas

Born in Portage Township to Agnes and Peter Schippers in 1930, one of Kalamazoo’s most famous musical exports was the conductor Thomas Schippers, a popular figure whose career rose to…

Sheldon, Theodore P.

Theodore Pierce Sheldon (1810-1893) was a highly respected financier. He managed the government land office, served as township supervisor, township treasurer, and village treasurer. In 1844, Sheldon established the first private bank in the area.

Shortt, Anna E. Jannasch

As noted in an earlier article about the influence and entrepreneurial acumen of German immigrants to Kalamazoo from 1870-1914, many Main Street buildings were home to some of Kalamazoo’s most…

Smith, Lydia A.

One of the most sensational narratives of 19th century Kalamazoo was written by a woman who had spent four years as a patient in the Michigan Asylum for the Insane…

Snow, Leta G.

From the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame: Leta Snow (1880-1980), Kalamazoo’s “patron saint of fine music” was accomplished at every level of community endeavor and shared the lessons of her…

Snuggs, Edward H.

Born in Kalamazoo on the first of March, 1886, Edward Harrison Snuggs grew to become one of the city’s most beloved bandleaders. From his early days as an up-and-coming young trombonist, through the “Jazz Age” and beyond as a top-notch composer...

Spear, Marion R.

In the early years of the last century, a new approach to the treatment of mental and physical illnesses unfolded.

Spradling, Mary Mace

Mary Mace Spradling’s revolutionary act of diversifying the library collection is only one part of her legacy as a librarian.

Stauffenberg, Otto

Artist Otto Stauffenberg originally hailed from Hamburg, Germany, but spent much of his adult life in Kalamazoo.

Stockbridge, Francis

In addition to his business interests, Stockbridge also got involved in politics.

Stoddard, Asa H.

Like so many 19th century residents who moved into Kalamazoo County, Asa Harding Stoddard’s origins began in the state of New York, near Lake Ontario. Born near the small city…

Stone, Lucinda Hinsdale

The mid and late 1800’s were a transformative time in American history in many ways. Traditional American values were limiting to women who wanted opportunities to expand their horizons. However, there were crusading activists who attempted to...

Stryker, Homer

Dr. Homer Stryker is Kalamazoo’s most famous physician. He was an orthopedic surgeon, inventor, and businessman, best known for his inventions which revolutionized orthopedic care, bringing comfort to patients and convenience…

Stuart, Charles Edward

Charles E. Stuart was among the first, and some would say best, legal professionals to settle in the village of Kalamazoo. The street and surrounding neighborhood that bear his name are a testament to his lasting impact on the Kalamazoo community.

Taborn, Jeannette

Jeannette Taborn (1925-2016) took her role as a board member for various local organizations seriously. Described as someone with a “quiet and calm manner...”

Taylor, Harold Victor

During the 1960s and 1970s, Vic Taylor's Kalamazoo-based "LaVal Records" was a big name in popular entertainment, especially among lovers of blues, R&B, and comedy. Taylor did much to promote black music and entertainment in our area.

Todd, Albert M.

One of Kalamazoo County’s most widely known citizens was Albert M. Todd, who in 1869 began the thriving mint industry that continues to flourish in Kalamazoo nearly three quarters of…