John VanSchelven remembers Grand Haven's past. Part 1.

In his monthly radio program Memories of the Past, Doug Tjapkes interviews Grand Haven resident John VanSchelven about his early memories of the area. During this program they talk about the dedication of the Police and Fire Station in the 500 block of Washington Street. John describes this area through the history of Grand Haven. He gives details about the Akeley Hall finishing school for girls and the purchase of the property by Bell Telephone in the early 1930s. John discusses the City Hall project, built adjacent to this property in 1933 by the WPA. John also recalls the building of the Municipal Hospital on Sheldon Street and describes the area before the hospital was built. He also talks about the controversy of the hospital's location. The program is concluded with a discussion of VanSchelven's career in the insurance business.

Interviewer, Douglas J. Tjapkes.