truck, toy
Catalog Number
2023.51.3a-bDescription
Toy semi-truck cab (2023.51.3a) and trailer (3b). The trailer is gray with black tires. The Holland Motor Express logo appears on the side in the form a blue wooden shoe. The cab is dark blue with the name "Holland Motor Express" in white letters on the doors.History
John Cooper came to Holland, MI in July of 1929 to establish a trucking service. With the help of his wife Katherine, his business, Holland Motor Express, slowly grew during those first few years. It was located in an old cannery in Holland on the northwest corner of West 5th Street and Central Ave. (1936 and 1954 city directories).In 1936 their son Charles Cooper joined the family business. Their other two boys, Robert and Gerald Cooper would also soon join. In 1958 John and Katherine sold the Holland Motor Express to their three sons. They also sold their home at 873 Southshore Dr and moved to Florida.
On 9-5-1984 the Cooper brothers sold Holland Motor Express to T.N.T. North America.
John Cooper passed away on 4-20-1975. His wife Katherine passed in the fall of that same year.