The log jam and flood of 1883 was thoroughly covered by five Grand Rapids newspapers: The Daily Democrat, The Grand Rapids Eagle, The Evening Leader, The Daily Times, and The Grand Rapids Weekly Times. These are available on microfilm in the GR History and Special Collections department of the GR Public Library’s main branch. A vertical file entitled, “Grand River Log Jam 1883” contains photocopies of many of these newspaper articles. These important primary sources describe details about the river, the log jam, the flood, and damage to bridges, but also detail its effect on businesses and life in the city.

Newspaper articles from the Evening Post and Grand Rapids Herald about the March 25-29, 1904 flood are available on microfilm in the GR History and Special Collections Dept. of the library. A vertical file entitled, “Floods Grand Rapids” contains items pertaining to several local floods.