Douglas Baker and Russel Baltz recount life in Grand Haven during the first half of the twentieth century. Doug Baker owned and operated the Baker & Son Lumber yard, which originated as the Bakker Sawmill in 1871. He discusses his genealogy, his connection with the Jackie Band and the First Presbyterian Church, and taking the passenger ship the Alabama to Chicago. During the dance-hall days, he enjoyed playing in a couple house bands. Russel Baltz joins him in giving a detailed description of the Fruitport Pavilion and the Hyland Gardens. Russel was the proprietor of the Hyland Gardens for many years. When the Big Band era ended, he converted the building into a hotel and named it the Bil-Mar Hotel after his two children. A few years later, he also bought The Barn in Grand Haven. In addition, the Baltzes owned the building at 200 Washington Ave. Through the years, it housed Addison-Baltz, Steketee's, and the Tri-Cities Historical Museum. Russel includes a story about hazing during his college fraternity days.
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