![]() Holland had become "simultaneously a market place, a harbor town, and an industrial center." The pioneer dominies touched on all the important themes-population growth, farms and factories arising from forests, the coming of age of the second generation, the founding of religious and educational institutions, the triumph over poverty and adversity, and the marvel of railroads that reduced travel time by a factor of eight over ox-drawn wagons. In truth God has wrought great things for us! We possess shipping lines and railway communications. Van Raalte was equally effusive in his commemorative message: Is there anyone who can visit our villages and townships, covered with the richest farmsteads, and not be astonished? It is impossible to estimate the value of our ships, fisheries, mills, factories, and fruit farms. What a change in twenty five years! It is scarcely believable, nor can it be easily imagined. A number who came here in their early years now are even men of power in government and administration, especially in school and church. But our greatest asset is the large group of youth who were born in this country and have grown up in it. Accordingly in every respect there has been progress. Have we accomplished our purpose? Our answer is: We have grown up in this land we have increased in number our cattle have multiplied by the thousand our woods have been transformed into fruitful acres. In words that sang with satisfaction: Van der Meulen declared: Numerous Dutch and American flags in the crowd signaled the gradual transformation of these Hollanders into hyphenated Americans. ![]() In 1872 the reverends Albertus Van Raalte of Holland and Cornelius Van der Meulen of Zeeland, the founding pastors in the Holland colony, addressed an Old Settlers' celebration of the first quarter century. From Colony to City: Holland's First 25 Years ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |