Grand Haven native Al VanBemmelen was a local fireman and boxer who helped build the City Hall and Fire Station in 1934. In this interview, he also discusses Grand Haven's first hospital and the development of North Ottawa Community Hospital. Before the new hospital was built, Al recalls how folks with contagious diseases were quarantined in the Pest House, located on the corner of Taylor and Sheldon Streets. Mr. VanBemmelen also provides details about area dairies, his work at Grand Haven High School and Keller Tool, and his boxing career. He recalls his school days at the Fourth Ward, which became Ferry Elementary School.
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