Tendercare Kalamazoo history

John Devlin household, 1850 United States Federal Census, Hubbard, Dodge, Wisconsin Census Place: Hubbard, Dodge, Wisconsin, page 169B, dwelling 36, family 36 Online database, Ancestry Library (in library only)

Southeast corner of East Main and Burdick, 1874-77 [picture] W. S. White, photographer.

By 1880, Parsons’ enrollment had grown to more than 80 students.

By January 1892 Parsons had begun to make plans to purchase property where he could erect a dedicated school building.

When the new building opened in January 1893, classes were held on the third floor, while rooms on the ground floor were designated for student activities.

In 1903 the school organized a highly regarded military drill team known as the Parsons Zouaves, which was captained by William W. Parsons.

Following an extended illness, W.F. Parsons passed away in March 1914 at the age of 78.

Emilia Kennedy then leased the school and served as principal until William W. Parsons’ death in 1935.

Under Teresa Stewart’s continued direction Parsons Business College moved again in 1953 to more spacious quarters on the second floor of the First Federal Savings and Loan Building at northeast corner of West Michigan Avenue and Park Street.

Teresa Stewart remained director until her retirement in 1964.

In July 1981 Rohm sold Parsons Business College to the Grand Rapids-based Davenport College of Business, now part of Davenport University.