photograph
Catalog Number
2021.14.340Description
Photograph showing a parade heading east on 8th Street. The arch for the Semi-Centennial is visible. The arch as mid-block on 8th Street between River Ave and Central Ave. This photograph was taken looking northwest down 8th Street.History
The following information comes from the Holland City News, both the 8-25-1897 and 9-4-1897 editions.The Semi-Centennial began on 8-25-1897 and lasted two days. Known as Holland's Golden Anniversary, streets and buildings were decorated in the national colors of both the Netherlands and the US.
Just west of Central Avenue, a triumphal arch was built. The arch, built out of wood and covered in canvas, stretched from 8 west 8th (Van Drezer's Restaurant) across to 9 west 8th (J.B. Van Oort hardware).
The celebration consisted of bands, speeches, a parade and a replica log cabin that served as a museum. The cabin measured 16' x 22'. It was built by Arnold De Feyter on the campus of Hope College. It housed numerous antiques from early settlers, including cradles, spinning wheels, chairs, tables, lamps, clocks, guns, books, kitchen utensils, photographs and crockery.