Skip to main content

van Reken, Donald L. (1920-2010). Papers, 1942-[ongoing].

 Collection
Identifier: H04-1522

Abstract

Veteran of the United States Army Air Corps Ninth Air Force during World War Two, former high school librarian for the Holland Christian Schools and local historian who’s book titles include: A Window to the Past (1988), The Railroads of Holland, Michigan (1997), A Picture Album of Holland, Michigan (1976), Ottawa Beach & Waukazoo: A History (1987), Macatawa Park: A Chronicle (1991), The Interurban Era in Holland, Michigan: To Macatawa, Saugatuck, Zeeland, Vriesland, Jamestown, Jenison, Grandville, Grand Rapids (1981), Holland Furnace Company, 1906-1966 (1993), The Farm That Was A Zoo (1983), Changing Footprints: A Memory Book of the Holland Christian Schools (1984), A Brief History of Holland, Michigan (1983), And Our Band Plays On: 1920-1955, A 75th Anniversary of The Holland American Legion Band: Willard G. Leenhouts Post No. 6, Holland, Michigan (1995), and Macatawa: An Historic View (1979). Collection includes his scrapbook created by his wife while he served in the Ninth Air Force aboard C47 aircraft during World War Two, four photographs of van Reken in uniform and receiving a medal after the Normandy Invasion, three envelopes sent to the De Pree Chemical Company (2) and San Tox Company (1) in 1933, two Abstract of Title for 44 East 15th Street, CD of images from a Grand Rapids Press newspaper article on Esther Vandenberg and the home at the former Lakewood Farm/Getz Zoo location, photographs of Marigold Lodge in 1988 (4 images), flowers and windmill at Herrick District Library (1979) (1 image), Memorial Day cemetery service (1980) (4 images), Rabbit River bridge at Hamilton, Michigan (1980) (1 image), Ninth Street historical houses (Cappon House) (1980) (4 images), Du Mond Bakery fire (1979) (22 images), topical file and correspondence concerning Holland, Michigan Men and Events, 1920s-1950s, his books The Farm that was a Zoo (1983), Ottawa Beach & Waukazoo: A History (1987), A Window to the Past (1988), The Holland Fire of October 8, 1871 (1982), A Picture Album of Holland, Michigan (1976), Holland Furnace Company, 1906-1966 (1993), And Our Band Plays On: Holland American Legion Band (1995), Holland, Michigan Postcards: A Survey and a Catalog created by Donald van Reken while collecting postcards, and presentation notes and slides concerning the history of the local interurban line; and his 2007 book, coauthored with Fritz Kliphuis, titled Reinder Edward Werkman: The Gilded Hollander, and maps and slide presentation slides used by Donald van Reken concerning Getz Farm, Ottawa Beach, Waukazoo, the Interurban, and Macatawa Park, and his book The Farm That Was A Zoo (1983).

Dates

  • Creation: 1942-[ongoing]

Extent

3.00 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hope College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Van Wylen Library
53 Graves Place
Holland Michigan 49423 United States
616-395-7798