Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-11-09

der the difficulties incident 10 western lie, with
the most unhagging energy. On many Of the
halfcleared farms, in the midst OF freshly felled
logs and brush, you will see stalwart corn,pump-
kins and potatoes raised, the lands never being
allowed to be idle from the moment the log hut
or backwoodsman's house or shanty is erected. |
The Hoanders adapt themselves to the man. |
ners and customs of the Western people with
striking aptitude, and go-aheaditveness which |
puts to blush the many gentlemen farmers who |
tarry for years around the neighborhood of west
ern villages.
The manufacturing establishments of the vii
lage of Holland are two steam saw.mills Zone
with grist-mil attachedD capable of manufac-
turing 100000 feet of lumber per year, ash
ery and two tanneries They have also seven
stores in the village, three of which are kept by
American traders, Messrs. Post, Bailey, and Har-
rington. Quite number of native-born Amer
leans reside in the colony, mostly having deal
ngs with the colonists, or employed in industri-
al pursuits. A few years ago, when the emf
grants moved to their new homes, some Allega-
mans went among them, and taught them the
mysteries of wood-chopping, the Hollanders not
being versed in the art, and in their haste to
clear the forest, five or six would be hacking
away at one tree; others would attempt to saw
the tree down, and some would use chisels.-
But, with the assistance of Yankees" space
enough for small farms was cleared
One of the relics of the first establishment of
the Colony is dapidated wind saw-mill, which
has been abandoned to give way to modern i'm
provements and Yankee ingenuity.
Outside of Holland Village, in other portions
of the Colony, there are; a saw.mill with lath
machine attached, two tanneries, a water grist-
mill, and an oil mill for the manufacture Of rape
oil. In spite of all the disadvantages of ship
ment, Black Lake exported products to the
amount of about $4,000 last year. The prin-
cipal articles of export are slaves, bark, lumber
and shingles. The exports this season will be
100000 feet lumber, (Which is RATED down the
Black Lake, and 100000 slaves.
De Hollander is the name of the Colonial pa
per published at Holland, edited By Mr.. II. Does
burg, classical teacher by profession, who is
also master of the art of printing, and is as
sisted in the typographical department by two
of his sons. He is public spirited citizen, and
manfully advocates the interests of the colony.
The Colonsts are generally well educated in
their own language, and many have acquired a
good acquaintance with the English, French and
German languages, besides possessing knowl-
edge of the classics. There are ten or eleven
district schools in the Colony where the rudi-
ments of an English education are taught
There are also several schools where the schol-
ars are taught the Dutch language.
A high school has been established at Holland,
for the benefit of the Colonists, by the Reform
ed Dutch Church, under the charge of Walter
II. Taylor, A. NJ, a classical teacher of repute
from Geneva, ". Y, who is principal; and
beautiful site has been selected for buildings,
which will probably become permanent insti-
tuition of character and influence.
Quite railroad feeling has sprung up in the
Colony. Holland is advocated as the termina-
ton of the Oakland and Ottawa Railroad in
stead of Grand Haven, the Lake being reached
in fewer miles from Grand Rapids, over an ca
sier route to grade, and if Lake Shore Rail-
road to Chicago is ever built in connection, the
distance from Grand Haven to Black Lake, 25
miles, is saved, while Holland would be equ-dis-
tant to the people of Kalamazoo and Grand Riv-
er. Holland is at the terminus of the proposed
Kalamazoo, Alegan and Holland Railroad and
the harbor at Holland, when finished, will be
navigable to all kinds of lake craft and be an ex-
cellent haven for vessels seeking protection du-
ring storm. The people of Ottawa, Kent, and
Allegan counties are already agitating other
railroad routes The mouths Of the Grand
Black, and the kaamaZ 90 rivers are nearly OPP
posite the cities of Milwaukee, Racine and Ke-
nosha. Before many years the capitalists on
thO Siuo vi tiio tApeCt tlluI
es will be made by the Southern and Central
Roads to the northwestern portion of the State
Another addition to the colony is expected
in the spring, under the charge of Dominic Gar
denier, with flock from the province of iceland,
Netherlands.
The halfannual Chassis of the Reformed
Dutch Church Of Lake Michigan was in session
at iceland on the 2Sth and 29th ult., represent
ing delegates from twelve churches, consisting
entirely of the new emigration from the Neither
lands. The Rev. Mr.. Van der Meuen presided
and the Rev. Mr.. Van Raalte acted as Scribe
The usual Church business was transacted
Delegates were present from Chicago, Miwau-
kee, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven
and the colony churches of Michigan. The meet
ing is said to have been quite an interesting one
One of the colony preachers, the Rev. Mr. Bolks,
is stationed at Grand Haven.
The colony is of more interest as nucleus
whose future growth and resources may become
great, than for present numbers or wealth. 1t
was the first and, with the exception of the col
ony in Pella, Iowa, the only colony of Holland
ers in the United States emigratng en- masse
for religious and political motives The people
have sufficient similarity of feelings and prinei-
Piles to act together as body. They represent
large and influential class of the people of Hol-
land, and retain a connection with them. They
are connected with the Reformed Dutch Church
Of the United States and exert more influence
upon future emigration to America than all the
other settlements in The States united.