Uniform, Jacket
Catalog Number
1993.4.1aDescription
Jacket from an American Legion Band uniform, ca. 1926. The jacket measures 29" long; shoulders 15.5", chest 42". It consists of olive drab twill trimmed with black 1.25" braid at neck, front opening, hem, back and lower sleeve.The red stain on chest is where a paper poppy bled when marching in a rainy Memorial Day parade.
History
This jacket belonged to Holland, MI resident Gerald F. Bolhuis. Gerald was born on 7-3-1907 in Holland, MI to Franz Bolhuis (1870-1957) and Josie Steffens (1883-1958). Gerald grew up in Holland, MI at 224 West 13th Street (1908 and 1916 city directories) and 547 College Ave (1921 and 1927 city directories).Gerald was a graduate of Holland High and Hope College. Soon after graduating from high school he joined the American Legion band.
Gerald married Julia Van Tamelen in Zeeland, MI on 9-18-1930. They lived in Holland at 97 East 8th Street in Holland, MI (1931, 1936) and later at 1107 South Shore Drive in Holland.
Gerald was treasurer of Bolhuis Lumber in Holland, MI as early as 1929. By 1945 he was president of the company. In the 1950s Gerald was also a fireman. In 1953 he served as fire chief in Park Township. He later served with the Holland Fire Department.
Gerald passed away on 4-8-1965.