clipping, newspaper
Catalog Number
2023.22.2Description
Newspaper clippings, three, glued to card stock. These clippings were on file for several decades at the Herrick Library as part of their local history collection. On the back of the cardstock, a Herrick Library stamp is visible. Above this stamp some dates are visible showing when the clippings were checked out by library patrons.The clippings appeared in the Holland City News on October 6, 1938. They are older than this however, written in 1897 and re-printed in 1938. The subject is Holland's Semi-Centennial (1897) and Chief Simon Pokagon. Pokagon is actually the author of one article.
It is worth noting that the language used in the clippings reflects life in the 1890s, when the articles were written. The clippings are shared here because they are a part of Holland's history.
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.