By John Meyer
Title: Dirk B.K. Van Raalte Collection, 1845-1925
Predominant Dates:1860-1910
ID: COLL/301
Primary Creator: Van Raalte, Dirk B.K. (1844-1910)
Extent: 1.0 Cubic Feet. More info below.
Arrangement: Folder level description
Date Acquired: 00/00/1962
Subjects: American Periodicals--Bay View Magazine, Contracts for deeds, Dutch Americans - Correspondence, Dutch Americans - History - Sources, Dutch Americans - Personal narratives, Tax assessment, Van Raalte, Dirk Blikman Kikkert, 1844-1910, Van Raalte, Katharine Goetschius Ledeboer, 1851-1926
Forms of Material: Postcards, Veterans--Civil War, 1861-1865--Souvenirs (Keepsakes)
Languages: English, Dutch;Flemish
The Dirk B.K. Van Raalte Collection houses the personal, family, Civil War, and business papers of Dirk B.K. Van Raalte. This collection, which dates from 1845–1925, consists of correspondence, business papers, and personal memorabilia, documenting the life and works of Dirk B.K. Van Raalte, including his time as a soldier in the Civil War, his presidency over Holland City State Bank, and his terms as Michigan legislator.
This collection fits into the broader narrative of immigration to the United States. Researchers interested in the history of Van Raalte's descendants, how veterans remembered the Civil War, and the 2nd/3rd generation immigrant experience will all find something to value in this collection.
The collection is arranged into one series: 'Papers'. The series is topically arranged.
The ‘Papers’ series contains certificates, newspaper and magazine clippings, obituaries, announcements, correspondence, postcards, hotel forms, a probate court discharge, advertisements, banking records, checks, a blueprint, bills, tax documents, land contracts, receipts, a dog receipt, land documents, invitations, programs, his military discharge, the Holland Soldiers’ Union constitution, pamphlets, cards, envelopes, a souvenir photobook of Washington D.C., ribbons, financial records, newspaper subscriptions, account books, issues of the Bay View Magazine, Cushing’s Manual, a business ledger, a child’s handwriting workbook, and his notebook. It shows the multifaceted life that Dirk Van Raalte lived, from his time as a soldier in the Civil War, to his presidency over Holland City State Bank, showing his acumen at economics and rhetoric, as well as being a diligent, family man. Moreover, the family’s propensity for travel reveals, in combination with their long-reaching subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, a family that liked to keep abreast with current American culture and events.
Son of Albertus and Christina Van Raalte, Dirk B.K. Van Raalte was born in Ommen, the Netherlands on March 1, 1844. In 1846, the Van Raalte family immigrated to the United States, settling in Western Michigan. During the outbreak of the Civil War, Dirk and his older brother Benjamin both enlisted to serve the Union army. Dirk was part of the 25th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of Atlanta, Dirk was riding his horse through the woods to deliver a message when a group of confederate soldiers ambushed him. They shot him twice in the arm, but he managed to escape with his life. Due to his injury he had his right arm amputated from the shoulder down. Dirk began his military service as a private and was discharged as a hospital steward.
In 1864, Dirk returned to his home in Holland, Michigan. After returning to civilian life, Dirk entered the business world. He was president of the Holland City State Bank and the Scott Lugers Lumber Co. He earned the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens, and in 1877, they sent him to Lansing to serve the state legislature as their representative of their district. He worked on the committee of ways and means. He served two successful terms in the state legislature. In 1909, he returned for his third term. In 1910, however, Dirk B.K. Van Raalte passed away. He was survived by his wife Katharine Ledeboer and their two sons.
American Periodicals--Bay View Magazine
Contracts for deeds
Dutch Americans - Correspondence
Dutch Americans - History - Sources
Dutch Americans - Personal narratives
Tax assessment
Van Raalte, Dirk Blikman Kikkert, 1844-1910
Van Raalte, Katharine Goetschius Ledeboer, 1851-1926
Repository: Heritage Hall, Hekman Library
Alternate Extent Statement: 2 Boxes
Access Restrictions: Collection held in Heritage Hall; materials are not available for circulation.
Acquisition Source: Gift of William B. Eerdmans Sr.
Related Materials: COLL300: Albertus C. Van Raalte Collection
Preferred Citation: [item], folder, box, Dirk B.K. Van Raalte, Heritage Hall (Hekman Library), Calvin University
Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid updated in 2021
