Chamber of Commerce press clippings

Archive

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Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Name/Title

Chamber of Commerce press clippings

Entry/Object ID

2026.25.01

Scope and Content

Green, 3-ring binder containing 94 sheets of paper. Newspaper stories about the Saugatuck Chamber of Commerce activities are pasted to the pages. Loose clippings have been placed in plastic sleeves. The collection begins with a 1985 letter from Saugatuck mayor Gerald O'Connell congratulating Gordon B. Huizenga on his appointment as the newly-created position of Executive Director of the Saugatuck Chamber of Commerce. Huizenga was replaced by Ginny Saip (interim) and later Larry P. Horist in 1986. In additions to clippings about Chamber of Commerce goals, proposals, and events there are articles about: Page 3 - The Felt Estate and Michigan Dunes Correctional Facility Page 7 - Resurrecting the cancelled Venetian Festival with the new name "Harbor Days" to discourage the raising of "hell", East Shore Harbor Club legal battle, American Twisting Co. move to South Haven. Page 11 - Chamber-sponsored Art fairs Page 13 - Tourism report from Rob Carey of West Michigan Tourist Association Page 15 - No Wake Zone for Kalamazoo Lake proposed due to high water levels Page 17 - Lynda Holmes letter encouraging volunteering and gimmicks to attract visitors. Page 29 - (back) Inn Tour Page 32 - LaVerne Serne named Saugatuck city manager Page 36 - Proposal to change Blue Star Highway to a Business Route I-196 Pages 37- "Old Fashioned Christmas" 1985 events with Kristi Moreschi, Miss Teen Michigan Page 45 - West Shore Marine condo plans, follow up on page 47 (back) Page 46 (back) - Proposal to erect co-op lodging business sign on Saugatuck Drug Store building Page 47 - 2nd proposal for cooperative economic council Page 48 - color photo of 303 Butler Page 49 - (back) Jame Blanchard announces grants to help with erosion Page 50 - Chamber opposes changes to Butler Street (north end) rezoning Page 52 - Plans for new Chamber office at 91 S. Washington (91 Blue Star Hwy.) in Douglas Page 54 - Photo of 91 S. Washington. Also on page 58 (back) and 63. Page55 - "Saugatuck looks like a painting but it's far from a museum piece" by John Handley, Chicago Tribune 22 June 1986. Chamber phones jammed with calls as a result on page 58 Page 57 - (back) Commercials for 1987 Chevrolets filmed in Saugatuck. More on page 59. Page 67 - Sidewalk sale Page 67 - Merchants ask for limits on art fairs, claiming 10 art fairs is hurting their business. Backlash continued on subsequent pages. Page 68 - Saugatuck showcase fashion show Page 74 - Moonlight madness Page 77 - Mary Paine replaces R.J. Peterson as Chamber president Page 84 - (in plastic sleeve) "Off-season in Saugatuck" by Sandy Stafford, Kalamazoo Gazette, 1 Mar 1987. Photo of Greg Hoffman and Bonnie Wilkins. Page 84 - (back) Ski Cross Country ads in six Michigan newspapers Page 86 - Photos from Independence Day parade with Jerry Bagierek, George Baker and Erv Kasten. Page 87 - (in plastic sleeve) "Lakeshore residents object to proposed road relocation" between 126th and 130th avenues. "Tourism Turns On - Heat, healthy economy combine to make it a great year" Grand Rapids Press, 6 Sept 1987 Page 87 - McDonald's drops plans for Ida Red's site at 245 Water Street Page 88 - Lara McGrath, Miss Saugatuck-Douglas and winner of Allegan County crown Page 90 - Dickens Christmas Carol, photos of Christmas parade with Henry Brady, Jean Brady, Russ Wilkinson, Ginger Wilkinson, Vander Kolk's carriage, Charles Williams, Gloria Williams and the Saugatuck High School Band. Page 91 - Photos of St. Nicholas on horseback played by Frank Pluta and Marsha Kontio. Page 93 - (back) Announcement of plans for Chamber Music Festival. Page 94 - (plastic sleeve) "Douglas, Saugatuck may join forces on water plant" Grand Rapids Press, date trimmed off. Degreaser TCE (trichloroethylene) and other soil contamination near Douglas Elementary and in drinking water wells. Wicks Manufacturing Corp. and Haworth Inc. being investigated. "Ways sought to wake Saugatuck-Douglas from winter sleep" by Chris Rouech, Grand Rapids Press, date trimmed off, with photo of John Huyge.

Context

The selection of newspaper stories illustrate the concerns, activities and influence of the pro- business-growth Chamber in the late 1980s.

Collection

1930+ Tourism, activites, tours and attractions, Festivals, events, parades, celebrations

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2026.25

Source or Donor

Saugatuck/Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Acquisition Method

Donation, unconditional

Archive Details

Creator

Huizenga, Gordon B.

Date(s) of Creation

circa Mar 1985 - circa Dec 1987

Dimensions

Height

11-1/2 in

Width

10-1/4 in

Depth

1-1/2 in

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Huizenga, Gordon B., Huyge, John, Chamber of Commerce, Saugatuck-Douglas, Felt Estate Historic Home and Garden, Venetian Festival, American Twisting Company 1923-c1985, Carey, Robert "Rob" 1928-2019, Holmes, Lynda L. 1944-2010, Serne, LaVerne 1928-, West Shore Marine/West Shore Ferry landing/Tisdale Boat Livery, 303 Butler Owl House Woman's Club Brueckman house, 91 Blue Star Hwy, Paine, Mary Cecilla (Knipper) Dickson Anderson 1922-2008, Wilkinson, Russell "Russ" c1944-, Oberholtzer, William "Bill" H. 1931-2008, 245 Water, Ethie Haworth Nest Studio, McDonalds site, Ida Reds

Create Date

August 27, 2026

Update Date

August 28, 2026