The Junior League of Grand Rapids, MI Inc. is an outgrowth of the Butterfly Guild of Butterworth Hospital, started in 1903. The activities were suspended during World War I, but resumed in 1920, and in 1922 with Mrs. Earle A. Clements, President, plans were started requesting membership in the A.J.L.A. Five thousand dollars in the Treasury was turned over to Butterworth Hospital and a Maternity Fund was created in the name of the Butterfly Guild.

During these years, the Guild brought the Denis-Shawn Dancers, which netted $850, held a Valentine Ball netting $1,177, and held an American Kennel Club Dog Show netting $2,600.

In January 1925, the Guild was formally accepted by the A.J.L.A. and the relationship with Butterworth Hospital was severed and our Maternity Fund at Butterworth was henceforth to be called the Butterworth Maternity Fund of the Junior League. In 1926 our League was Incorporated, the papers being signed by Mrs. Earle A. Clements, Mrs. William B. Steele and Miss Josephine Bender.