program
Catalog Number
T89-1089.4.22
Description
A program for the Second Annual Hope College Kletz Concert. The performance was October 14, 1966 at the Holland Civic Center. The concert featured Anne DePree Reisig, soprano a graduate of Hope in 1959.
History
Hope College was founded in 1866 in Holland, Michigan by the Dutch immigrants that settled in western Michigan. Its purpose was to facilitate the need for the community to have an institution of higher learning in Michigan, rather than to send students to Dutch Colleges on the East Coast.
Willard Wichers was born in Zeeland, Michigan on March 20, 1909. He went to Zeeland Public Schools, Hope College and University of Michigan. He married Nell Elizabeth Van Haitsma and had two daughters, Elizabeth and Janet. Willard Wichers felt very strongly about the importance of history. He was affiliated with many organizations dealing with historic preservation throughout his life. In 1942, he helped establish the Midwestern Office of the Netherlands Information Service and Holland. Mr. Wichers was a major force in getting the DeZwaan windmill for Windmill Island. He also was instrumental in keeping Big Red Lighthouse in Holland harbor. He also managed Tulip time for many years. Mr. Wichers is also responsible for founding the Netherlands Museum, which is now the Holland Museum.
Gift of
Wichers, Bill