Find

photograph

Catalog Number
2022.8.123.21
Description
Black and white photograph showing a structure on the Ben Van Raalte farm.  The farm is now owned by the City of Holland and known as Van Raalte Farm Park.
 
History
VAN RAALTE FARM
Ben Van Raalte (1840-1917) was born in the Netherlands on May 8, 1840 to Albertus and Christina Van Raalte. In 1847, he accompanied his parents to the US as part of the first Dutch settlement in Holland, MI.

Ben married Julia Gilmore (1841-1911). Ben and Julia had two children: Julia Christine Van Raalte Reimold (1873-1952) and Ben Van Raalte, Jr. (1876-1953). They made their home on 16th Street in Holland Township (now Holland, MI). The estate was known as the Maples (now known as Van Raalte Farm Park and owned by the City of Holland). Ben passed away on August 14, 1917 in Holland, MI and was buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Ben's son-in-law was Orlando S. Reimold, Sr. Orlando was born in Saline, MI on 5-8-1873. He was employed by the World Book Company and traveled extensively. He married Julia Christine Van Raalte on 9-10-1902 in Hong Kong, China. Orlando and Julia also lived at the Maples.

Orlando and Julia had the following children: Philip Reimold (1903-1939); and, Orlando "Andy" Reimold, Jr. (1910-1977).
Philip had two daughters: Phyllis; and, Alys. Orlando, Jr. had four children: Steven; Douglas; Lee; and, Ellen. Each of Orlando and Julia's grandchildren spent time at the Maples during the summer months while growing up.
Gift of
De Graaf Nature Center