Frederick Hinga (1926-2012) was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the only child of Marvin Martin Hinga and Mildred I. Quigley. Fred attended Western Michigan College of Education on the G.I. bill and graduated in June of 1949 with a B.A. in Chemistry and minors in Mathematics and Social Studies. He continued his education at Western Michigan University, Bowdoin College, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan where he completed his Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Science. He became a teacher for Kalamazoo Public Schools for 33 years, as well as serving on several committees and volunteering his services around the community of Kalamazoo, MI.

Maxine (Wilma) Hinga (1927-2001), formerly Maxine Pope, was born in Sodus Township, the daughter of Ora Pope and Eunice (Griffin) Pope. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education. She later earned her Master's Degree in secondary education from the University of Michigan. She married Frederick Hinga in 1948. Then Maxine taught mathematics for 39 years in the Vicksburg, Comstock and Kalamazoo Public Schools, and volunteered her services around the community of Kalamazoo, MI with her husband. Maxine and Frederick have folders dedicated to them in the collection.

Eunice Griffin (1884-1972) was born in Berrien County in 1884. She married a farmer, Ora Pope (1876-1960), where they also cultivated an orchard. Her brother, Jasper Griffin, was also born in Berrien County in 1896. He served in the United States military and died in 1973. Among Eunice and Ora’s other children, George Pope (1906-1984), also became a teacher in Benton Harbor Public Schools. Jasper and George have folders dedicated to him in the collection.

Marvin Martin Hinga (1891-1951) was born in Kalamazoo, MI, and was the son of Dirk Hinga (1863-1928, born in Netherlands) and Catherine Born (1860-1933, born in Michigan). Marvin was a stock clerk for M.M. Hinga Auto Replacement Parts and Accessories. He married Mildred I. Quigley in 1923 where they raised their son Frederick on 940 Hazard Street in Kalamazoo. Mildred became a teacher after attending Western State Normal School. Catherine Born’s brother, William Born, was a member of the United States military and served during the Polar Bear Expedition in World War I. Marvin, Mildred, and William have folders dedicated to them in the collection.

Victor Frances Quigley (1893-1959) was the brother of Mildred Quigley. Their parents are James Quigley (1863-1944, born in Michigan) and Alice Nash (1871-1960, born in Cass County). Alice Nash’s parents were Charles Nash (died 1888) and Rebecca Blessing – whose father was Augustus Blessing. Thomas Quigley (1869-1949) was also a brother of Mildred Quigley. Mildred, Alice, Thomas, and Rebecca have folders dedicated to them in the collection.