In the rear of the building located at the southwest corner of Wealthy and Henry, Fred D. Bouma originally produced heating and cooling sheet metal goods for a local company. In 1949, he became a proprietor when his son, Frank, returned after the war. [more]  While working at a tank plant in Muskegon, Frank drew the logo that still represents Fred Bouma Company today. The company moved out of this location the same year Frank joined his father. The shop was then moved to the corner of Hall and Lafayette.

After the building burned in the riots during the late 60's, the company relocated to the then Dutch community at the corner of Alexander and Kalamazoo. The business transferred from Fred to Frank in 1972, before being purchased by myself, Tim Ball, from Frank in July of 1990. I apprenticed under Frank Bouma for five consecutive years, thus learning to respect him for his honesty and skill. I enjoyed his friendship until his untimely death this past year.

I moved the business to 340 Atlas in 1997, where it stands today, becoming a part of the Eastown Business District.