Join us as we continue the 150th anniversary celebration of the historic Cappon House with a tour of Holland’s Historic District. Peek inside several of these homes, as well as the Third Reform Church, and learn more about the architecture and people who lived there. The tour includes: the former homes of the Albert Meyer family (Meyer Music), The Bosch family of Western Machine Tool Works, and the home of Dr. Henry Kremers, which later housed Holland’s first hospital, Hope’s Knickerbocker fraternity, and the Netherlands Museum (now the Holland Museum) before becoming a B&B.
Start your day at the Cappon Visitor Center, 228 W. 9th Street, with coffee and doughnuts. Your ticket also includes bottled water and a printed program with a brief history of each location.
Guests are invited to stop along the route to learn about other Cappon and other notable family homes and snap a picture in front of a classic car provided by the Vintage Car Club of Holland. Guests can also bid on any of the homes’ floral arrangements, provided by the Holland Garden Club. Silent auction bids for floral arrangements support the Holland Garden Club.
This tour took place on Saturday, September 14, 2024
10:00-4:00 p.m.
Adult Program
Starts at the Cappon House Visitor Center
Museum Members: 35
General Admission: $40
Walk-Up: $50
About the Historical Homes
Centennial Inn Bed & Breakfast – 8 E. 12th Street
This home, built in 1889 for Dr. Henry Kremers, has served as Holland’s first hospital, Hope College’s Knickerbocker fraternity house, the Netherlands Museum (now the Holland Museum), and as the Centennial Inn. This unique Queen Anne home has undergone several interior changes. Learn more about the various residents and interesting stories about its various iterations.
Meyer-Beyer House – 4 W. 12th Street
Originally built for Albert Meyer, founder of Meyer Music. This attractive Queen Anne still has much of its original interior, including pocket doors, built in dining room cabinets, and more. Members of the Meyer family owned this home until 1984, when it was sold to R. Vande Bunte. The Beyers purchased the home and have gathered wonderful stories from Meyer family descendants. This home is a historic gem with rich ties to Holland’s history.
Third Reform Church – 111 W. 13th Street
During the Great Fire of 1871, Third Reform Church burned down. When it was partially rebuilt a violent windstorm blew down the timbers. These timbers were used to build the home across the street at 121 W. 12th Street. Isaac Cappon was a deacon at the church and hired Jan Kleyn, who later designed his home at 228 W. 9th Street, to design this beautiful Carpenter Gothic structure, completed in 1873.
Isaac Cappon house – 228 W. 9th Street
Completed in 1874, this Italianate home was built by Jan R. Kleyn. The Cappon family lost their previous home in 1871 Holland Fire. The home has been restored its 1902 appearance and is 80% original. The intricate woodwork was all done locally and much of the furniture was manufactured in the Holland and Grand Rapids area. During the tour, docents will share the stories of Isaac and his family. Tour admission also includes an introductory film in the Cappon Visitor Center, the family’s former horse barn, as well as displays about the restoration and family genealogy.
Settlers House – 190 W. 9th Street
Built in 1867, this working-class home survived the 1871 Holland Fire, making it one of the oldest homes in Holland. It was built by Thomas and Anna Morrissey and housed their family of seven. Many families either owned or rented this house after the Morrisseys moved to Saugatuck in 1870. The City of Holland purchased the home in 1996 and restored it to its ca. 1871 appearance. It opened in July 2001 to the public.
This program is part of the Cappon House 150th anniversary celebration, 1874-2024. Join us as we celebrate throughout the year with new programs, exhibits, and tours! Learn more
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