2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the Cappon House! Join us as we celebrate throughout the year with new programs, exhibits, and tours.
About the Cappon House
Parlor, photo courtesy of Helmut Ziewers, 2021
The Cappon House was built by Isaac and his first wife Caterina in 1874, after their first home was burned in the 1871 Holland Fire. The fire, which was the same weekend as the Chicago fire, burned 80% of what is now considered downtown Holland, including the Cappon & Bertsch Tannery and the Third Reformed Church, where Isaac was deacon. After rebuilding the church and tannery, Isaac and Caterina built their new home. Designed by architect Jan Kleyn in the Italianate style, which was popular in America between 1840 and 1880, this elegant home reflects the Cappon family’s standing in Holland at the time.
The public areas of the home were designed to impress. Guests enter the home through imposing arched front doors and are greeted by 12-foot ceilings and striking Renaissance Revival black walnut and ash woodwork manufactured in Holland. The print of Lincoln signifies that this was a Republican household.
The Cappons are the only family to have lived in this house since its construction. Lavina Cappon, 2nd daughter of the 2nd family, lived in the house until 1974. Lavina was the keeper of the family history; we are fortunate that she saved so many books, toys, furniture, and other household items that belonged to the family. It was her wish that the house become a museum upon her death.
The house has been painstakingly restored to its 1902 appearance by the Holland Museum using the inventory performed following Isaac’s death, family journals, photographs, and historic preservation best practices. The reproduction wallpaper and paint colors were based on samples taken from within the home and then analyzed to determine which patterns and colors were from 1902. The woodwork, doors, Lincrusta wallcovering in the entryway, light fixtures, and ceiling medallions are all original.
Visitors to the Cappon House step back in time, immersing themselves in the stories of Isaac Cappon and his large family.
Second floor, photo courtesy of Helmut Ziewers, 2021
Kitchen Stove
Children's parlor, second floor
Isaac Cappon, 1830-1902
Caterina Cappon nee DeBoe, 1835-1887
Johanna "Lavina" Cappon, 1894-1978.
Click to enlarge Cappon Family Tree
An immigrant from the Netherlands province of Zeeland, Isaac Cappon arrived in Holland in 1848, at the age of 18. With his business partner John Bertsch, Isaac Cappon owned and operated the town tannery, which became quite prosperous during the Civil War, and elevated Isaac to one of Holland’s leading citizens. He became Holland’s first mayor in 1867 and he would serve as mayor again in 1870, 1874, and 1879.
Isaac married Caterina De Boe, another Dutch immigrant, in 1854. Together, they had 11 children before Caterina passed away from cancer in 1887 at age 52.
After Caterina’s death, Isaac hired Jacoba De Kok to serve as a housemaid and caregiver to the children still living at home. Four years later, Isaac and Jacoba were married. He was 60; she was 23. Their marriage caused some controversy in Holland’s social and conservative religious circles as Jacoba was a “working class” immigrant marrying one of Holland’s wealthiest citizens. Isaac and Jacoba had 5 children; Franklin the youngest, was born in 1900 when Isaac was 70 years old. Isaac passed away two years later in 1902, leaving the house to his young wife and five children under the age of 10, and his tannery business to his older sons Johannes and Abraham.
New at the Cappon House this summer!
In time to celebrate the Cappon House's 150th anniversary, the Holland Museum has created a new Cappon family tree located in the Visitor's Center. Learn more about the members of the family with additional information and pictures. Check out the time-lapse video to see how it all came together.
Related Exhibits
Authentically Victorian: Reflecting on the Cappon House Restoration
Previously featured in the Holland Museum Lobby Gallery, this exhibit is moving to its new permanent home at the Visitor's Center/Cappon Barn after July 2024.
The exhibit highlights the architectural projects undertaken to return the 1874 historic home to its 1902 appearance, the last year of Isaac Cappon's life. The exhibit also explores the Cappon House's cultural and architectural significance to the City of Holland.
A Stitch in Time: Lavina Cappon's Tulip Time Legacy
On Display April 26–September 16, 2024 in the Holland Museum Focus Gallery
Discover how the tradition of wearing authentic Dutch costumes during Tulip Time began. This exhibit, A Stitch in Time: Laavina Caappon's Tulip Time Legacy, will highlight Lavina Cappon, former Holland Public Schools teacher, and explore her influence in shaping the unique aesthetic of Tulip Time through strict dress protocol.
Victorian Visions: The Cappon House Through the Eyes of Bruce McCombs
On Display October 4, 2024–February 10, 2025 in the Holland Museum Focus Gallery
Experience the historic Cappon House in a new light. View a collection of intricate watercolor paintings showcasing the Victorian home by renowned local artist, Bruce McCombs. In addition to honoring McCombs’ artistic talent, this exhibit celebrates the timeless beauty of the Cappon House’s Italianate architecture.
