Williams' Grand Rapids Directory, City Guide and Business Mirror compiled by C. S. Williams, 1859

We present our first issue of the Grand Rapids Directory with the belief that it will be found as nearly accurate as any book of the kind can possibly be.

The growing importance of the City demands that its population and business should be represented in this shape, and the compiler expresses the hope that this volume will the first of a long series.

It depends upon the spirit of the business men and the patronage they extend to the entreprize, to determine whether the publication should be continued.

The publisher begs to extend to the subscribers to the present volume, his sincere thanks for their liberality; also, to Prof. Franklin Everett for the sketch of Grand Rapids, furnished for this volume.

(From the Preface)