Rydholm, (Charles) Fred
1924—
Place of Birth: Marquette, MI
Place of Principal Residence: Marquette, MI
Biography
Fred Rydholm was born to Louise and Eber Rydholm on March 11, 1924 in Marquette, MI. He spent several years in the U.S. Navy during World War II and graduated with an A.B. degree fro Albion College in 1948. Rydholm has devoted most of his life to teaching, working at Republic High School, Vermontville Rural Agriculture Schools, and Marquette Public schools, respectively. Besides having taught for over thirty years, Rydholm is a noted author of Michigan History, writing a history of Marquette, MI with his book Superior Heartland, A Backwoods History. He is actively involved in his community, serving three terms as mayor and city commissioner in Marquette, as well as being on county and state Boards and Commissions. Rydholm continues to live and write in Marquette and has two children, Frederick and Danial.
Selected Works
- Superior Heartland, A Backwoods History (1989)
- Mystery Cave of Many Faces (1991)
- Michigan Copper: The Untold Story (2006)
Awards
- 1941 Louis G. Kaufman Character Award, Marquette High School
- 1959 Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award, City of Marquette, MI
- 1989 Citizen of the Year, Marquette Chamber of Commerce
- 1989 Helen Longyear Paul Memorial Award, Marquette County Historical Society
- 1990 Award of Merit, Historical Society of Michigan
- 1995 Victor Mosely Award - Midwestern Epigraphic Society, Columbus, Ohio
- 1999 “Outstanding Writer/Historian” 3rd Annual Marquette Arts Award
Relevance of Place to Author’s Work
Besides being intensely involved in his community, Rydholm has dedicated his writing to Michigan history. During his childhood, he developed a deeply rooted love for his state through activities like following his grandfather to logging camps and retreats in the Upper Peninsula, working in a local camp, and serving as a guide at the Huron Mountain Club.