The photograph has been dated by the absence of the Water Works, completed in 1874 and visible in a later photo of the same area (see photo at the right in Related Items), and the completion of the N. Ionia School in 1872.
The North Ionia St. School was originally named Primary 7, indicating it was the seventh primary school constructed in the East Side School District. The two story section at the rear of the schoolhouse was built in 1870; the eight-room, three-story section, with a basement, faced Ionia St. and was built in 1872. No architect is named for the school, but it is possible that is was Wm. G. Robinson as he also designed the new building for Primary School 3, Fountain St. School, in 1872.
From a collection of photographs depicting Grand Rapids around 1872, previously owned by Charles E. Belknap, author of "The Yesterdays of Grand Rapids" and longtime resident of the city.