Colonial Revival

Colonial Revivals were popular from 1880 to 1950. There are several elements of Greek architecture like columns, modillions (brick like pattern under roof) and classical pediment (triangular structure over front door). In the 1897 City Directory G.J. Diekema, attorney at law is listed at this address along with Mrs. Sarah Alcott (widow) and Agnes Wentzel, domestic.

Gerrit John Diekema

Gerrit John Diekema was born in ??-27-1859. He died on December-12-1930 in the Netherlands. His is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. During his lifetime, Gerrit served as both U.S. Congressman and U.S. Diplomat. He was elected to represent Michigan's 5th District in the U.S. House of Representative, serving from 1908 to 1911. He also served as a Member of the Michigan State House of Representatives in 1885 and held the position of Michigan Republican State Chair from 1900 to 1907. In later life Gerrit served as delegate to the Republican National Convention from Michigan in 1924, and was the U.S. Minister to the Netherlands from 1929 until his death.

The Diekema, Cross & TenCate Law office was on the second floor of the First National Bank located on the corner of 8th & Central Avenue.

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