brochure
Catalog Number
2015.29.11Description
brochure, orange, Dutch Village.History
The Nelis Tulip Farm was located at 1009 Lakewood Blvd in Park Township on 80 acres of land purchased by Frederick J. Nelis (1867-1964) ca. 1925. With the help of his son, Harry Nelis, Sr. (1893-1979), Nelis Tulip Farm soon became a major supplier of tulip bulbs. And, as interest in the annual Tulip Time festival grew (beginning in 1929) the Nelis Tulip farm became a tourist attraction. Before long the crowds outgrew available parking. Other family members soon joined the business. Fred Nelis, Jr. served as vice-president and Wilhelmina Nelis served as treasurer.In 1957 Harry Nelis, Sr retired. His two sons, Harry, Jr. and Fred took over operation of Nelis Tulip Farm and the Nelis Nurseries. In 1958 Harry, Jr. and Fred opened a Dutch market on US-31 at James Street. The purpose of this location was to serve as a retail tulip bulb outlet.
More buildings were added to the US-31 location in the coming years, including a Frisian farmhouse, a restaurant and an organ. This site became more popular each year and, in 1962, became known as Dutch Village.