Welcome to Downtown Holland

or as they say in Holland .. 

.. Welkom to Downtown Holland ..

Tulip Time 2025

Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 11

The 96th Annual Tulip Time Festival

While it is too early to predict peak bloom, their tulips generally begin blooming in late april and last through mid-May.  They have a variety of tulips so they cascade into color rather than all blooming at once. 

https://www.cityofholland.com/1022/Tulip-Tracker 

De Zwaan is an authentic Dutch windmill in the city of Holland, Michigan.  The windmill's name is Dutch for san or Graceful Bird.  It is the oldest authentic, working Dutch windmill in the United States.  De Zwaan is located in Windmill Island and was brought over from Vinkel, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands in 1964.  The mill still turns and is able to grind grain into flour.  

The Netherlands has more than 1200 windmills many of which are still in operation.  They have been a defining part of the Dutch landscape ever since the Middle Ages.  The earliest mention of a windmill in the Netherlands which stood in a place called Willemskerke in Zeeland, dates from 1221.  

De Zwan added to the National Register of Historic Places April 17, 2018.  

Holland, Michigan is home to Windmill Island Gardens which features "De Zwaan" and is a popular tourist destination for all who visit each May.

Holland, Michigan was founded in 1847 by Dutch Calvinist separatists led by Dr. Albertus C. Van Raalte who sought religious freedom and a new life in America. Holland's Dutch heritage is a significant part of its identity with attractions like the Holland Museum and the annual Tulip Time festival showasing this culture. Religious persecution in the Netherlands, economic hardship and the lure of a new land with abundant farmland were key factors in the Dutch immigration to Holland, Michigan.  The Irish Potato Famine and crop failures in continental Europe also contributed to the movement.

On March 25, 1867 Holland was incorporated as a city with Isaac Cappon being the city's first mayor.  

Holland is also known for its iconic "Big Red" lighthouse and its charming downtown with cobbestone sidewalks. 

Holland's beloved and popular "Big Red" lighthouse which stands proudly at the south side of the Holland Channel has along and rich history dating back to the first structurre built on that site in 1870.  Currently the lighthousse is owned and maintained by a non-profit llighthouse commission and is Michigan's most photographed lighthouse.

The Holland Harbor Lighthouse is an integral part of the history of Holland.  A stormy history it is with disappointment and countered with determination.  Soon after the Dutch settlers came to the area in 1847, their leader, Dr Albertus C. Van Raalte wrote to the governor and the U.S. Congress requesting funds for the building of a harbor.  Van Raalte knew from the beginning that if his new community were to flourish, access to Lake Michigan to and from Black Lake (now Lake Macatawa) was essential.  However, the entrance to the lake from Lake Michigan was blocked with sandbars and silt. 

Repeated requests for government help were made in the years that followed though to no avail.  All the while, the Holland settlers made numerous attempts to establish a harbor.  A permanent pier was built into Lake Michigan that was battered year after year by winter storms.  Dredging was done both by hand and by machine.  

In 1866, harbor officials received word from Congress they would recieve an appropriation for work on the harbor.  The first lighthouse was erected with $4,000 of federal funds in 1870, twenty years before the harbor was complete.  It was a small, square, wooden structure that stood on an open platform on legs above the deck of the pier.On top was a lantern deck with a ten-window lantern room. The lighthouse keeper had to carry his lighted oil lmap along a catwalk which stretched from the shore where he lived to the lamp under a lends or magnifying device.  When fog obscured the light, he signaled incoming boats by blowing an 18 inch fish horn often used on sailboats.  Eventually a breakwater was built.

The final phase of lighthouse development brings us to the structure as we know it today.  In 1934, the light was electrified. Electrification also marked the end of the ear of lighthouse keepers that had spanned 68 years!

The first lighthouse keeper was Melgert Van Regenmorter, appointed to service in 1870 at an annual salary of $540.  He served until April 1908 just prior to the steam fog signal going into operation.  It is said that he wanted no part of the new technology.

Between the years of 1908 and 1912, three different keepers shared time tending the light, Charles Bavry, George J. Cornell and Edward Mallette.  Their relatively short terms of duty indicate ittooka special type of individual to withstand the constant pressure of maintaining the signal.

The last active lighthouse keeper was Joseph M. Boshka who came to Holland in 1912, after serving 15 years in the Lighthouse Service. Joseph Boshka, known as "Cap" served until 1940.  

Downtown Holland has been named one of "America's Prettiest Towns" by Forbes Magazine and an "All-American City" by the National Civic League.  Downtown Holland's cobblestone sidewalks line the streets with over 100 unique and locally owned shops, galleries, eateries and brew pubs.  Historic downtown Holland is a year-round destination begging to be explored.

Farmer's Market offers local fresh produce

Local crafts vendors for locals and tourists

Holland shoppers with their Downtown Holland shopping bags

Hope College 

Holland, Michigan 

A four year liberal arts college

A notable graduate was Robert H. Schuller, The Hour of Power

 

Circa 1887

Detroit-based architectural firm Mason and Rice made the Grand Hotel a reality then and now.  The work was overseen by Charles Caskey, a prominent resort builder who had created a number of seasonal cottages throughout the area. Together with his brother-in-law Alphonse Howe, Caskey gradually created a stunning five-story resort hotel base on plans provided by Mason and Rice.  The building soon featured a wealth of outstanding amenities including dining facilities, meeting spaces and 286 gorgeous guestrooms.  Its exterior radiated stunning Queen Anne-inspired architecture although accents of American Colonial Revivalism appeared all around the facade. 

The Grand Hotel now has 397 guest rooms including seven suites that are decorated in honor of  our country's former first ladies.  In preparation for the 1998 season, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan and Barbara bush were all consulted on  the decor for the apartment which bears their individual name on the third and fourth floors on the West end of the hotel overlooking the Mackinac Bridge.  The Jacqueline Kennedy Suite replaced the former Summer Place theme room on the east side of the front of the hotel in 2002.  The Laura Bush Suite was added for the 2011 season.

The Grand Hotel

Mackinac Island

Michigan

The Grand Hotel

Opened on July 10, 1887, the Grand Hotel was built by the Grand Rapids & Indiana and the Michigan Central railroads and the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company through the efforts of Sen. Francis B. Stockbridge.  It is built of Michigan white pine.  With its magnificent colonial porch, longest in the world, it is a classic example of gracious living seldom seen today.  One of the outstanding landmarks on the Great Lakes, it is the world's largest summer hotel. 

The "Grand" as it is called on the island is an historic coastal resort with a spectacular 660-foot long, three-story high porch.  Below this covered veranda is a manicured lawn sloping down to a formal flower gardn where 10,000 geraniums bloom in season among other flower beds with wild blossoms.  The hotel is located on Mackinac Island which is in the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.  It has thrived because of an important decision made in the 1920s.  

Grand Hotel Lobby

Grand Hotel Dining Room

The Grand Hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2001, dates back to 1887. 

The Grand Hotel was a summer retreat for vacations on Mackinac Island who arrived by lake steamer from Chicago and Detroit. 

In 1887, after months of continuous construction, the Grand hotel opened for the first time.  Billed as a seasonal retreat to those living in Chicago, Detroit, Montreal and othr places, the standard room rates varied between three and five dollars.  The hotel, nonetheless, impressed guests who arrived referring to the building as "America's Summer Palace".

In 1890, the Grand Hotel's famous Front Porch debuted and became the largest of its kind throughout the world.  It quickly served as the primary meeting spot for anyone on Mackinac Island especially for island romantics who referred to it as "Flirtation Walk". the Grand Hotel established itself as one of the nation's preeminent holiday destinations.

In 1895, one of the most famous guests to visit the Grand Hotel was Mark Twain who held a lecture at the casino with an admission fee of a single dollar.  Other influential people to stay around the same time incuded inventor Thomas Edison and United States President Grover Cleveland. 

In 1901, renowned golf course architect Tom Bendelow created the Grand Nine right next to the Grand Hotel.  The Grand Nine would serve as the Grand Hotel's exlusive golf course for generations.  The Grand Nine has now been incorporated into an even grander course known as "The Jewel". 

In 1919, the average nightly rates had risen to as high as six dollars.  W. Stewart Woodfill was hired to serve as a front desk clerk, thus beginning his memorable career at the Grand Hotel.  

In 1933, W. Stewart Woodfill finally obtained enough money to purchase the Grand Hotel, becoming its principal owner.  His time as proprietor saw the hotel's popularity soar as it continued to host all kinds of guests from around the world. Among the most prominent were sitting United States Presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. (During the 1950s R.D. "Dan" Musser joined the staff as a cashier and quickly rose through the ranks to become Woodfill's most trusted lieutenant. Musser fell in love with the building and eventually purchased it outright from Woodfill in 1979.)

In 1947, the Grand Hotel hosted its first Hollywood crew when director Richard Thorpe showed up to shoot portions of his movie, This Time for Keeps starring Esther William and Jimmy Durante.  The film was about a soldier who attempted to figure out life upon his return from serving in WWII. 

In 1979, Jeannot Szwarc, director filmed Somewhere in Time at the Grand Hotel.  A romantic drama, the film starred Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour.  The film specifically followed the tale of a playwright who wishes himself back in time to the Grand Hotel at the start of the 20th century.  He then pursues the love of a young actress while trying to outsmart her overbearing manager.  

The Grand Hotel offers "Somewhere in Time" Weekends.

Jane Seymour, who starred in the movie has visited the Grand Hotel and the "Somewhere in Time Suite" on multiple occasions.  The weekends include movie showings, walking tours of filming locations and welcome receptions. Other landmarks from the film include the Round Island Lighthouse, Mission Point Resort and the Somewhere in Time Gazebo.  

The Somewhere in Time Suite

In 1957, the Grand Hotel was designated a State Historical Building.  In 1972, the hotel was named to the National Register of Historic Places.  On Jun 29, 1989 the hotel was made a National Historic Landmark.  Leisure magazine lists it among the "Top 100 Hotels in the World".  The Wine Spectator noted the Grand Hotel with an "Award of Excellence" and it made the Gourmet magazine's "Top 25 Hotels in the World" list.  The Automobile Association rates the facilities as a Four Diamond resort and in 2009, the Grand Hotel was named one of the top U.S. Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  In 2012, the Grand Hotel celebrated its 125th anniversary with a series of memorable events:  Saturday night dinner with former Michigan governors in attendance, presentation by Grand Hotel interior designer Carlton Varney, Friday night fireworks, live musical performances and much more.  A special edition 125th anniversary coffee table book was published for the occasion.  2018, marked the Grand Hotel's 131st birthday and over 85 years of Musser family ownership. 

In 2010, the Musser family added the Trophy Room which celebrated their dog, Sadie.  Sadie, a Scottish Terrier won Best of Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. 

In 2019, having operated the Grand Hotel for nine decades, the Musser family decided to sell the business to KSL Capital Partners.  The new owners endeavored to preserve the legacy left behind by the Mussers.  Indeed, they have taken great care to preserve both their memory, as well as the greater history of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

If you have never visited Mackinac Island, treat yourself to a wonderful experience.

and

Be sure to visit Holland, Michigan in May. when tulips are in full bloom

 for

Tulip Time Festival  

.. Beautiful Beds of Tulips at the Grand Hotel ..

Stacie and Roger Klossner 

❤️ ❤️ 

In September of 1973 the Riccio/Lewallen family moved from New Jersey to open the Olde Corner Deli at the former Lopresti's Corner Store.  For 49 years the Olde Corner Deli has been a staple and favorite stop in the Mayville area.

Since 1973 the Riccio/Lewallen & Klossner families have been friends so it seems only natural that after 49 years the Olde Corner Deli tradition now transfers to the Klossner family. 

We look forward to carrying on the many traditions of great subs and sandwiches, fresh baked roast beef, homemade sauce, cold cuts, salads, pickles, chips and drinks.

We invite you to stop by and enjoy!!

Roger, Stacie & Brendan Klossner 

Step onto this friendly porch when passing through Hartfield and these folks have you covered for lunch!

Don't forget the pickle!

 

Richard Chamberlain

(1934-2025)

George Richard Chamberlain was an award-winning American actor and singer who became a teen idol for his role as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s NBC medical drama.  He later earned the nickname "King of the Miniseries" for his roles in The Thorn Birds, Shogun and Centennial.  Chamberlain was also a respected theater actor, playing Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music on Broadway and Hamlet at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Richard Chamberlain poses with his newly unveiled star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during ceremonies on February 29, 2000.

Chamberlain is survived by his longtime partner Martin Rabbett who said in a statement, "Our beloved Richard is with the angels now.  He is free and soaring to those loved ones before us.  How blessed were we to have known such an amazing and loving soul.  Love never dies.  And our love is under his wings lifting him to his next great adventure."

RIP Dr. Kildare

Dr. Kildare

Circa 1961-1966

Dr. James Kildare received 12,000 fan letters a week!

Dr. Leonard Gillespie played by Canadian actor, Raymond Massey in a scene 

from 

Dr. Kildare.

 Circa 1964

Richard didn't come out as a gay man until 2003 when he was 68 years of age in his book titled Shattered Love: A Memoir

"When I grew up, being gay, being a sissy or anythinglike that was verboten.  I disliked mself intensely and had to hit it and became "Perfect Richard, All-American Boy" as a place to hide. I actually feel sorry for people who have a lot of illusions in their about what gay is.  I mean, I know some gay people who are really wonderful people. 'Handsome' means many things to many people.  If people consider me handsome, I feel flattered -- and have my parents to thank for it. 

Richard lived on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu and died at his home in Waimanalo on March 29, 2025.  Waimanalo means "good water".  Wai meaning (water) and "manalo meaning (good or pleasant).

Aloha 

 

Charles Mann Hamilton

(1874-1942)

HAMILTON HOME

BUILT 1925 BY CHARLES & BERTHA HAMILTON.  

CHARLES ELECTED TO NYS ASSEMBLY 1906 AND NYS SENATE 1908 & 1910.  

SERVED IN US CONGRESS 1913-1919.

WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2021

Charles M. Hamilton and his wife, Bertha lived in this home in Ripley, NY.  Charles was born in Ripley on January 23, 1874.  He attended the Ripley High School, the Fredonia Normal School and later the Pennsylvania Miltary College at Chester, PA. Established in 1821, Widener University was known as the Pennsylvania Military Colllege until 1972. Charles Hamilton was a prominent Republican politician.  After his political service he returned to Ripley to farm and tend to his business interests including the production of oil and natural gas in Kansas.  He passed in Miami Beach, Florida on January 3, 1942 and was buried in Quincy Cemetery in Ripley, New York.  

Mrs. Bertha Lamberton Hamilton (1875-1944).

Bertha was born in Franklin, PA (Venango County)

 to 

Robert and Luella Jane (Chess) Lamberton

Charles and Bertha Hamilton

The Hamilton Mansion

The Hamilton Mansion has 32 rooms designed around the Hamilton's world travels with incredible unique architecture.  The mansion was built in 1925 at a cost of $750,000* in a design boasted to satisfy the "whims and fancies of wealthy persons, their architects or both."  It was the property of former Representative, Charles M. and Mrs. Bertha Lamberton Hamilton.  The Mansion was originally comprised of 16 acres.  It has a 1,500 square foot brick and block building originally built for a clinic in 1949.

*$750,000 in 1925 is roughly equivalent to $10,200,000 in 2025.

Alf Landon

(1887-1987)

Charles Mann Hamilton knew Alfred "Alf" Mossman Landon through their mutual interest in oil and natural gas production. Landon was an American oilman and politician who served as the 26th Governor of Kansas from 1933-1937. A member of the Republican Party, he was the party's nominee in the 1936 presidental election and was defeated in a landslide by incumbent President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Landon passed on October 12, 1987 becoming the only presidential candidate from either of the major parties to live to the age of 100 until President Jimmy Carter in 2024. Landon, to date, is the only Republican candidate to do so. 

During WWI Landon served in the U.S. Army chemical warfare service. 

Alf Landon came to the Hamilton Mansion when he was running for president of the United States in 1936.  Charles and Bertha hosted Alf Landon at their home.