cane
Catalog Number
2019.46.7a-bDescription
Cane, wood with rubber end. The top part of the cane pulls out, separate from the bottom, and contains a metal blade at the end.History
The US Army issued the cane to Dutch Hank because of the leg injury suffered in the motorcycle accident. The bayonet portion of the cane was meant to be used in his defense if his kitchen was ever overrun by the enemy.Dutch Hank was born on 1-24-1889 in Hemelumer Oldeferd, Netherlands. He came to the US in 1917. While on Ellis Island he was drafted into the US Army. Before being sent overseas, Dutch Hank crashed his motorcycle, injuring his leg. As a result he was assigned to kitchen duty in France. While in France he was reported dead.
Upon returning to Holland after the war, alive, Dutch Hank became a house painter. He was also an artist, painting murals in people's homes and garages and painting on panes of glass.
Dutch Hank married Geerlovina "Fannie" Buurman on 10-13-1921 in Holland, MI.
He passed away in Holland, MI on 10-11-1970.