06 December 1906 - Evening Press Grand Rapids, p. 5

Ottawa County Section Changes its Population.

DUTCH COLONY BOUGHT UP THE LAND

Thrifty Hollanders Now Own Two Townships.

Interest in Education of Children Is marked

Holland, Dec. 6.-The rich and fruitful townships of Jamestown and Georgetown in Ottawa county, but a few years ago inhabited entirely by Americans, are very rapidly being settled by Hollanders.

The Dutch came into Jamestown first and their numbers increased so rapidly that within a few years they owned practically every farm in the township, and a strictly English speaking person was unknown.

Although the public schools are taught in the English language it is but little spoken outside the schools, and an English church is not to be found within the township.

During the last ten years the Hollanders have been rapidly crowding into Georgetown to the north of Jamestown, and are buying up the farms so rapidly that it has become unnecessary to ask who bought such and such property. But to take it for granted that if any land changes ownership that a Hollander is the purchaser.

Growth of Hudsonville

Only ten years ago the village of Hudsonville, with a population of nearly three hundred, was entirely American, but now the Hollanders have largely gained possession.

It is predicted that within five years the Hollanders will hold possession of the whole town. The Hollanders are exceptionally honest and trustworthy. They are great church-going people, moral and law abiding, and highly respected.

Their interest in educating their children is marked. Their houses and barns are large and well built. They buy only the best land, every acre of which they keep under cultivation.

Transcriber: Barb Jones
Created: 24 August 2010
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/dutchrecords/land.html