photograph
Catalog Number
2021.14.512
Description
Sketch print showing employees of Holland Furniture Company dressed in matching white shirts, pants and hats. They are holding American flags. They are in front of a banner that says, "America First, Holland Furniture Co." Handwritten on the back it says, "Employees of Holland Furniture Co., election of 1916, Wilson's America First campaign. Taken on west side of River Ave, between 6th & 7th Streets, Holland, MI".
History
The Holland Furniture Company was organized in 1894 and the first officers and directors were H. Van Ark, President; Ed. Vaupell, Vice President; J.G. Van Putten, secretary and Treasurer; and J.A. Van der Veen, A.H. Meyer, A. Kolvoord. and R. Veneklasen on the Directorate. The company manufactured furniture for wholesale until 1914 when new management took over and a showroom was opened in Grand Rapids. The company produced reproductions of early American pieces and became known for excellent bedroom furniture. One of the major buyers of the furniture was Macy's Company of New York. After the depression the company made a connection with the Army medical department for furniture and was denied the bid. In 1970 the Holland Furniture Company was bought by Magnavox Corporation and manufacturing ceased. The old company warehouse was repurposed as Scrap Yard Lofts (146 S. River Avenue) in 2008, consisting of both commercial and residential space.
Gift of
Verschure, Andrew
