Our story began in Beverwyk, Netherlands in 1910 when Frederick Nelis asked his son Harry, who was 17 at the time, to travel to America and search for some rich farm land. World War I was just over the horizon and times were tough all over Europe. The Nelis family was hoping to make a new start in the land of opportunity. Young Harry departed on the S.S. Noordam in October of 1910 and three weeks later arrived at Ellis Island. Following his fathers instructions, he traveled to Missouri, purchased land, and began to grow vegetables. In September of 1911, the rest of the Nelis family, which included 11 siblings ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years, joined him. Growing vegetables proved to be unprofitable, so the family moved to Chicago in search of more opportunities. After working at various jobs for a few years, they heard about a settlement in Holland, Michigan and decided to visit the young Dutch community. Upon arriving, they were impressed with the beauty of the area and decided to purchase 80 acres just north of the town.

Address: Nelis Dutch Village Corner of US-31 at James 12350 James Street Holland, MI 49424 USA
Telephone: (800) 285-7177
Fax: (866) 880-8439
Website: http://www.dutchvillage.com/