A Snapshot of Race in Grand Rapids - in the 1890s

From the Detroit Free Press, March 4, 1890

It is generally thought that Afro-Americans exhibit little adaptability for mechanical, engineering or architectural work, and, in fact achieve no success in the constructive arts. That is not due to lack of education, neither is their failure to rise to fortune in the mercantile line.

Occasionally there is an individual whose mental equipment enables him to break this rule and to place himself on a professional level with the best of his rivals. Such a man has been for several years in the engineering department of the Michigan Central Railroad.

His engagement came about in a peculiar way. Graduating at the Michigan University [sic] he was recommended by the professors of engineering as the best in the class. The letter of recommendation caused Chief Engineer Hawkes, without seeing the man, to promise him the first vacancy. When he presented himself to take the position it was observed that he was a colored man. However, as most of the company's engineers had been at the school, or at college, with the new graduate and had no objections to make to his engagement, he was set at work. He at once demonstrated his ability and it may be mentioned that he had been promoted several times since he began his service.

This engineer, being employed in the field work of the company, is frequently called upon to testify on professional matters, where railroads or street crossings, or things of that kind are brought into court. Such a case wherein the MC was a party was once on trial in Grand Rapids. This engineer had made the survey, was sent there to explain in court all about the levels, the crossing, and the general situation. Clear headed and accurate, he makes an excellent witness, and can always tell just what can and cannot be done in laying out railroad tracks.

Arrived at Grand Rapids he went to the Morton House and registered. It is known to the travelling public that this hotel has no superior in the country. The proprietors, A.V. Pantlind and his nephew, Boyd Pantlind, are at the head of the list as landlords. Furthermore, while not at all given to exploiting politics, both are Republicans, a fact which must be mentioned in order to understand the sequel of this story.

In the course of the day a stir was created in the hotel by the report that a colored man was being entertained therein as a guest. A good deal was said to the elder Pantlind about it, and it worried him. He did not wish to dismiss the engineer and, notwithstanding his Republican principles he did not wish to retain him in the house. All the time the noise about the office continued to increase and it was therefore with much joy that Pantlind saw Harry Russel, attorney of the Michigan Central, approach the counter.

"Look here," he said to Russel, "you Michigan Central people have placed me in a box."

"What's the matter now," said Russel, with all the suavity of manner and blandness of tone inseparable from him.

"Why, you have sent a -----, a colored man to register at the Morton."

"You can keep him, I hope?" replied Russel; "you and he are of the same politics."

"Well, yes; but I don't know about keeping him," said Pantlind. "I should like to oblige you but, you see, my Democratic friends object."

"Oh, I think not," archly answered Russel; "we are all right - no complaint from us. Let him stay."

"The fact is," said Pantlind, "there is a terrible row about it. There is a row among the girls in the dining room, there is trouble in the kitchen, there is cursing here in the office, and I don't believe I can stand it."

"Has he been misbehaving himself?" inquired Russel.

"No," sorrowfully said Pantlind, "no; that's just it; I wish to Heaven he was misbehaving just a little bit! I'd bounce him so quick! Really, Harry, I don't know where to lodge him."

"Give me a double-bedded room and put him in with me", Russel said.

"Why," said the amazed Pantlind, "I was going to put Judge Severens and you together."

"Very good," said Russel. "I could ask for nothing better, but if there is no other place for the black engineer, put him with me."

And so the affair was settled, and to this day the kind hearted and affable Pantlind cannot understand the peculiarities of Michigan Central men.

From the Detroit Free Press, March 4, 1890 [DFP-1890-0304]