The ground now known as Rumsey Park was a cultivated field when Grand Rapids became an incorporated city. Owing to its stony condition and the rough character of the ground it was abandoned for the purposes of cultivation and was allowed to grow up, and for years was a well known hazel nut patch, and raspberries grew prolifically along what is now Godfrey avenue. The slope of the hill grew oak bushes, and these in the writer’s boyhood days were not higher than a man’s head. Some of the larger trees now standing were there when the field was cultivated. A great many hickory trees grew upon this ground and some butternuts. During the 50’s all to the north, south and west was virgin forest growth, and at this time it was the favorite hunting ground for partridge.

At what is now the corner of Godfrey and Fifth avenues was a low place, and some years water would remain here during the entire year and wild ducks were frequently seen here. In the spring of 1890 the ground was platted and became a part of Coit & Rumsey’s addition, which extends from Fifth Avenue to Hall street, a distance of one-half mile. In the spring o 1911 the Rumsey heirs, consisting of George A. and James L. Rumsey, Ellen M. Wyman and Martha R. Simonds, gave to the city eighteen lots to be used for park purposes. The city acquired by purchase eleven additional lots, making in all a little over six acres, which form today the beautiful little breathing place known as Rumsey Park. This park will be a valuable acquisition to the Grandville avenue district, and as the improvements of the grounds will commence this year, we will soon be in possession of a handsome park, with the playgrounds in connection, and which will add materially to the value of the territory surrounding as a desirable residence district.