![Here’s What The Grand River in Grand Rapids Looks Like Without Water](http://townsquare.media/site/46/files/2020/07/grand-river.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Here’s What The Grand River in Grand Rapids Looks Like Without Water
Apparently, back in the 1930s, they rerouted the Grand River so people could go pick up rocks. Why? Let's find out.
I stumbled upon this photo of some citizens from our fair city picking up rocks from the bottom of the Grand River.
It comes to me via the wonderful Grand Rapids City Archives Instagram feed, which is a treasure trove of old school GR stuff, and a site I highly recommend. (I especially love the old mug shot photos).
This photo is from August of 1931 when they temporarily rerouted the river to allow city workers to collect big rocks to shore up the sides of the river. I would imagine they were having some erosion problems.
Several keen observers have identified the bridge in the background as the Michigan Street bridge, and the big factory in the background as the original Bissell plant.
Can you imagine if they rerouted river like this today what they might find?
Several of those damn SPIN scooters, I'm sure of it.
KEEP LOOKING: See what 50 company logos looked like then and now
More From 107.7 WRKR-FM
![Are Many Michigan Local Businesses In Danger of Closing Because of Construction?](http://townsquare.media/site/690/files/2024/07/attachment-Construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Michigan Resort Town Has A Message For Tourists: “Stay TF Out”](http://townsquare.media/site/690/files/2024/07/attachment-TC-4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The 6 Best Spots in SW Michigan for Chips and Queso According to the People Who Live There](http://townsquare.media/site/690/files/2024/07/attachment-Seriously-the-Best.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Festival All About Carnival Food Is Coming To Michigan This Fall](http://townsquare.media/site/690/files/2024/07/attachment-Carnival-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![After 76 Years, One of The Most Beloved Bowling Alleys In Michigan Is Closing](http://townsquare.media/site/690/files/2024/07/attachment-bowling.jpg?w=980&q=75)