Scope and Contents
The Martha D. Kollen papers are arranged by type of material and consist of two main types of materials: personal papers and financial records. The clippings relate mainly to her service on the Board of Education, the concerts of her son John, and programs presented by Mrs. Kollen to various organizations.
The correspondence folders contain primarily letters from friends and family members, but also include an invitation to a White House reception from President Theodore Roosevelt. Also included are letters from friends written to her during her illness in 1928, letters of appreciation for her performances, and letters of congratulations on the concerts of her son John.
The diaries were written by Mrs. Kollen during the 1920s and 1930s and contain valuable information about her life, particularly her travels in various parts of the world. Also included in the collection is information relating to her honorary degree from Hope College, materials concerning the donation of the land for Kollen Park, and a postcard collection obtained during her travels. There is also an extensive collection of photographs of the Kollen family.
The financial records include annual statements of both George and Martha Kollen, income tax returns, and material relating to the property owned by the Kollen family.
Dates
- Creation: 1894 - 1975
Creator
Biography
Martha D. Kollen was born on April 21, 1867, to Mr. and Mrs. W. Diekema of Holland. She attended Longfellow School, Hope Preparatory School, and Columbia University. In 1894 she married George E. Kollen, who died in 1919. Her son, John Lloyd Kollen, became an accomplished pianist.
Her chief interests were in the fields of religion, education, drama, and travel. She traveled abroad extensively, including trips to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, Cuba, Alaska, Canal Zone, and Mexico. Her many activities locally included membership on the Board of Education, the Century Club, Holland Women’s Club, Holland Garden Club, and the Women's Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church in America. She also donated the land for the development of Kollen Park.
She received an honorary degree from Hope College in 1949, and died in April, 1960, at the home of her son in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Extent
2.00 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Martha D. Kollen was a prominent citizen of Holland during the first half of the 20th century. The papers in this collection include clippings about her activities, correspondence with friends and members of the family, diaries, an extensive collection of photographs, information about the musical career of her son John, and financial records of both Mr. and Mrs. Kollen.
Provenance
Martha D. Kollen
Donation Note
See Accession File
Photographs
82 images (Box 1)
- Status
- Completed
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Hope College Archives and Special Collections Repository
Van Wylen Library
53 Graves Place
Holland Michigan 49423 United States
616-395-7798
archives@hope.edu
