This little book of retrospection is not in any way intended to be a complete history of Grand Rapids, although many historical events are recorded with strict adherance to the facts.<br><br>These "yesterday" stories are rather the personal memories of a man who has followed the trails of the Grand River Valley, by land and water, from the days when its splendid forest was the home of the Indian, to the present pagentry of our growing city with its commercial activities.<br><br>Through the days in which it has been my privilege to serve and share in this community's progress, my mind has received a class of impressions which the passing years have failed to efface, and in this book these memories are given without assumption or embellishment. I may not have done full justice to the noble men and women I have known, people who have left me with a love of my kind that even trial and misfortune has not dissipated. I may also be somewhat of a sinner in a literary way, yet if the stories are interesting and give pleasure, let them stand for all the apology that should be made and the author will be satisfied.