“The greatest appeal is the realization that this house has been lived in and loved . . . cared for and embraced . . . filled and honored with incredible pieces of art and furniture that speak to its history . . . and used and enjoyed by the Grand Rapids people for generations to enhance not only their personal lives, but also the life of the community. After reading the book, I think of the Sweet House more as an historical art museum, personalized by Martin and Desdemona Sweet’s residency.”
–Joan Niles, retired Tennessee realtor, and author
“This is a splendid account of a beautiful house that represents the growth and development of Grand Rapids. The mayor, Martin Sweet, was a mover and shaker of the economic and political development of the city during much of the 19th century. The musician, Ottokar Malek, provided the city with culture through music right after the turn of the 20th century. The mansion, the Sweet House, was the setting for both. It continued as the home of the Women’s City Club into the 21st century. Carol Dodge’s meticulous research takes us back to those fascinating times.”
~Irene Nowak, Sweet House Foundation Past President
~ About the Author ~
Since 1985 Carol has been an active member of the Women’s City Club. She served on the board of directors for several years and was elected secretary, treasurer, and then president in 2005-2007.
Carol was a member of the committee formed to establish the Sweet House Foundation, has served as secretary and as treasurer of the foundation, and has been a member of the Finance Circle since the foundation was established in 2005. She continues in her role as the historian for the Women’s City Club and the Sweet House Foundation. At the age of 88, she still enjoys conducting tours of the Sweet House, speaking to organizations, and writing articles. She is elated that The Mayor, The Maestro, and the Mansion is published.
Get your copy of The Mayor, the Maestro, and the Mansion. Please contact the Sweet House at sweethousegr@gmail.com or 616.459.5484 to pick up your copy. In exchange for a book, we are asking for a donation to the Sweet House Foundation.
