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Voigt Family Collection ➔ Purse

Identifier:
V324
Description:
Beaded drawstring purse. Lined with pink satin. The beadwork pattern is of roses and violets on a white background and with a beaded tassel at the bottom. The closing edge is crocheted and has a white rope threaded through it. Made in Austria.
The Voigts, like many other wealthy Victorians had a very eclectic collection in their house, with artifacts from around the globe. The Victorian era and the globalized economy gave Americans of means access to foreign products like this in ways that had never been seen before. This could have been purchased by Emma's sister, Clara, during her tour through Europe. ;USA: Michigan, Grand Rapids. Voigt House. Ralph Voigt donated majority of C.G.A. Voigt estate to GR Foundation upon his death in 1971. GR Foundation leased the property to Kent County Council of Historic Preservation. KCCHP purchased the property in 1974 and donated it to the City.. Voigt, Ralph.
Date:
1850 – 1899
Materials:
Pink Satin
Dimensions:
6.5" h 9" w
Current Location Status:
In Storage
Collection Tier:
Tier 2
Source:
Gift Of Kent County Council For Historic Preservation
Related Entities:
Kent County Council for Historic Preservation (donor)

The Kent County Council for Historic Preservation has several responsibilities that support the preservation and protection of our history. These include:

  • Recommending designation of new historic districts
  • Reviewing applications for proposed alterations within historic districts
  • Enforcing the Historic Preservation Ordinance Chapter and cooperating with the state, federal and local governments in pursuance of its responsibilities
  • Conducting meetings or hearings necessary to carry out these purposes

The Historic Preservation Commission consists of seven members who reside in Grand Rapids. Members are appointed by the City Commission for three-year terms (two consecutive terms are allowed). Members shall have a demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation. Two members shall be appointed from a list submitted by the Kent County Council for Historic Preservation and one member shall be an architect duly registered in the State of Michigan.

http://grcity.us/design-and-development-services/Planning-Department/Pages/Historic-Preservation-Commission.aspx

 Ralph Voigt (is related to)
Ralph Voigt, born in Grand Rapids, was 14 years old when the family moved into their home at 115 College Ave. SE in 1896. Mr. Voigt was well into middle age when Ralph was born, so it was only natural that the last child should be special to his father. Ralph, the third surviving son by the second marriage, became a pal to his father in his old age. Partly for this reason, Ralph entered and graduated from one of the finest Prep schools in the nation, Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He subsequently went to Yale University graduating in 1905 from the School of Mining Engineering. During this period, he mastered the banjo and the guitar playing in school organized "bands" popular at the time. Joining a fraternity or sorority, of course, was a high point in the college student's career. Ralph was certainly no exception. He was in plays and college related productions and was popular. Memorabilia of Ralph's college days is abundant in the house -- a set of Wedgwood china bearing Yale scenes and other small personal items displayed in his bedroom. After his years in New England, Ralph returned to Grand Rapids and worked with the other family members in the milling business especially after his father's death in 1908. Ralph remained a bachelor living in this family home until his death there in 1971 at age 88. Emma Voigt (used by)
Emma Louise Voigt was born in Michigan City, Indiana in 1870 and moved into the College Avenue house in 1896 with her parents. She never married and lived there until her death in 1953. When Emma's sister Clara moved back to the family home after her husband, Dr. Hake died, the two sisters were once more together at their parent's home. To them fell the responsibility of running the house, especially after their mother's death in 1929. Emma played the piano and played Mendelssohn's Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" when her oldest brother, Frank, was married in 1886 at the Court Street home. She graduated from Central High School in the "Elective Course" in 1887. Moreover, she was a member of the 25th graduating class of the Grand Rapids Public Schools.