Gringhuis, Richard A. "Dirk" (1918-1974). Papers, n.d., 1974.

Richard A. “Dirk” Gringhuis was born September 22, 1918, and later began his career by studying under several painters. In 1939, he studied illustration at the American Academy of Art in Chicago; after two years there, he went to New York City for further study. In 1942, Gringhuis, now married, returned to Grand Rapids, where advertising art beckoned. In 1946, he did his first juvenile illustrations. This outlet for his talents so fascinated him that he decided to devote all his time to it. In 1947, he moved to Holland, Michigan, where he wrote and illustrated his first book. He wrote three more books for children, worked as a freelance illustrator, and headed the art department at Hope College from 1947-1952. His books include: Eagle Pine, Young Voyager: Trade and Treachery at Michilimackinac, Paul Bunyan, Were-Wolves and Will-O-Wisps: French Tales of Mackinac Told, Lore of the Great Turtle, Fort Michilimankinac Sketch Book, Giants, Dragons, and Gods: Constellations and Their Folklore, Stars on the Ceiling, The Great Parade: Tall Tales and True of Michigan’s Past, Adventure in Survival, and Hope Haven. Collection includes biographical information, digital images from his Hope Haven book, fifteen prints and slides illustrating the history of the founding and settlement of Holland, Michigan, created for the 1st State Bank of Holland (2 sets), and a book he illustrated, Holland’s Heritage: A Series of Sketches and Narratives Having to do with the Founding of Holland, Michigan (2 copies).