Business Histories - Index
If you are looking for information about a Zeeland business, you have come to the right place. The items listed under "Contents of file" are only samples of what might be found in our collection. See "Zeelander" for more information.
Note: This index includes, but is not limited to, the businesses listed below. We will be adding more information periodically, so visit us often.
The Business Histories listed below are located at the Zeeland Museum.
Compiled by Janet Schoettle - February 2016
Updated: August 2019
| COMPANY | DATE RANGE OF ITEMS | CONTENTS OF FILE | NOTES |
| Abbie's Alley Restaurant | no date | Newspaper article | Restaurant |
| Airport, Vriesland | no date | Newspaper articles | Transportation |
| All-Ott Farm | no date | Newspaper article | Agriculture |
| American Canadian Drugs | 2004 | Newspaper article copy | Drug re-sale |
| Armour Fertilizers | 1954 | Pocket notebook | Agriculture |
| Art Products Co. | no date | Letters, photos | Wood products |
| At the Diner | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Restaurant |
| Axis Tanning | 2004 | Newspaper article copy | Tanning salon |
| Backyard Emporium | 2007 | Newspaper article copy | Wood products |
| Basket Boutique | 2005 | Newspaper article copy | Confectionery |
| Batts | 1986-1999 | Newspaper article copies | Wood products |
| Batts Plaza | 2007 | Newspaper article copy | |
| Beaverdam Creamery | 1979 | Newspaper article | Food |
| Bennett Wood Specialties | 1980 | Newspaper article | Wood products |
| Berghorst Plumbing | 1974-2000 | Receipts, newspaper articles | Plumbing |
| Big Dutchman | no date | Newspaper picture copy, book in reference | Agriculture |
| Big Little Miniature Golf, The | no date | Scorecard | Recreation |
| Bill Mar | 1997-2011 | Newspaper articles & copies | Agriculture |
| Boardwalk Fitness | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Fitness |
| Bohl's of Borculo | no date | Souvenir menu | Restaurant |
| Bon Ton Shop | no date | Copy of advertisment | Clothing |
| Boone & Co. | no date | Copy of advertisment | Clothing |
| Boonstra, F. & Co. | 1939 | Catalog of merchandise | Clothing |
| Bosch's Restaurant | 1993-1995 and earlier | Newspaper articles & copies | Restaurant |
| Bouwens, J. Co. | no date | Copy of photo, advertiement | Clothing |
| Bouwens and Sons Construction | 1994 | Newspaper article copy | Construction |
| BPW (Board of Public Works) | 1937-2005 | Newspaper articles, annual reports | Utility |
| Bristol Myers/Mead Johnson | 1938-2005 | Newspaper article copies, company publications | Food |
| Brummels Furniture | 1983 | Newspaper article copy | Furniture |
| Brusse, P. | no date | Small ad | Clothing |
| Bunte's Pharmacy | Sacks | Captain Sundae | Restaurant |
| Camfield Fiberglass Plastics | Unknown | Pay Statement (stub) | |
| Certified Radio | 1948 | Receipt | Retail |
| Chamber of Commerce | 1995-2006 | Directories, annual dinner programs | Organization |
| Chick'n Lick'n | 2010 | Newspaper article | Restaurant |
| City of Zeeland | 1907-1955 | Legal documents | Government |
| Chicky Restaurant | no date | Copy of advertisiment | Restaurant |
| Chinatown Restaurant | 2004 | Newspaper article copy | Restaurant |
| Citizens Telephone Co. | 1900 | Bill | Communications |
| City of Zeeland | 1978 | Newsletter “The Zeeland City Communique” Vol 11. No. 1 | City of Zeeland |
| City on a Hill | 2007-2007 | Newspaper article copies, newsletter | Organization |
| Civic Club | 1915 | Banquet program | Organization |
| Claret's Café | no date | Personal narratives | Restaurant |
| Clothes Junkie | 2007 | Newspaper article copy | Clothing |
| Coliseum Roller Rink | 1948 | Copy of advertisiment | Entertainment/Recreation |
| Colonial Clock Co. | 1911-2006 | Newspaper articles, catalogs, narratives | Furniture |
| Community Foundation | 2001-2005 | Annual Reports | Organization |
| Community Restaurant | no date | Advertisement | Restaurant |
| Country Life Restaurant | no date | Menu | Restaurant |
| D&W Grocery | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Grocery |
| Danhof Insurance | 1948 | Receipt | Insurance |
| DeBruyn Produce | 1963-2012 | Newspaper article copies, narrative | Agriculture |
| DeJonge & DePree | 1916 | Receipt | Merchant |
| Dekker's Jewelry | 2004-2012 | Newspaper article copies, narrative | Jewelry |
| DeKruif (H) Implements | 1903 + | Newspaper advertisments, receipt | Retail |
| DenHerder, J. and Son | 189_ | Receipt | |
| DePree & Elenbaas | 1895 | Receipt, announcement of closure | Hardware |
| DePree Hardware | 1907-1994 | Narratives, legal documents, stock certificates, advertisements | Hardware |
| Derks & Buter Coal | no date | advertisements, newspaper article | Utility |
| Deters Machine Service | 1947 | Invoice | Manufacturing |
| DeVries Photography | 1984-2012 | Newspaper articles, narrative, photos | Photographer |
| Donkersloot Law | 2004 | Notice of open house | Legal |
| Don's Flowers | 2000-2005 | Newspaper article copies | Florist |
| Dozeman Casket Co. | no date | Shipping labels | Caskets |
| Drenthe Telephone Co. | 1994-2004 | Newspaper articles | Communications |
| Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation | no date | Brochure with rates and information | Recreation |
| Dutch Woodcraft | 1964 + | Envelope, narrative | Wood products |
| East Limits Dairy | 1956 | Receipt | Food |
| Eco-Reef | 2005 | Newspaper article, copies | Retail |
| Edible Arrangements | 2005 | Newspaper article copy | Retail |
| Edwards (Wm.) Ltd. | 2005 | Newspaper article copies | Consulting |
| Electric & Light Co. | 1937 | Newspaper article copy | Utility |
| Elenbaas & Co. | 1897 | Receipt | Hardware |
| Elkhart Carriage & Harness Co. | 1900 | Catalog announcement | Transportation |
| Enterprise Meat Market | no date | Newspaper photo and brief article | Grocery |
| Extol, Inc. | 2005 | Newspaper article copy | Manufacturing |
| Fabric Shop | no date | Newspaper ad copy | Retail |
| Family Fare | 1980-2002 | Newspaper article copies | Grocery |
| Five Star Realty | 2007 | Newspaper article copy | Real Estate |
| First Michigan Bank | 1978 | Newspaper article copies | Banking |
| Fountainhead Gardens | no date | Newspaper article copy | Landscaping |
| Frank's | 2014 and others | Advertisements | Restaurant |
| Frontier | no contents | ||
| Fuel Systems Textron | 1987 | News article | Manufacturing |
| Gentex | 1966-2007 | Newspaper article copies | Manufacturing |
| Getz Farm/Zoo | 1963 | Newspaper article copy | Entertainment/Recreation |
| GMB Architects | no date | Newspaper article copy | Construction |
| H. Claver & Company | no date | Newspaper ad | Service |
| Haan's Hardware | 1950-1951 | Invoices | Retail |
| Hall Coal & Ice/ Express | no date | Printout, article copy | Utility |
| Hat Shop - Fox | no date | Obituary for owner, Mary Fox | Retail |
| Hatcheries (folder 1) | Contains multiple folders - Caball's Superior Poultry Farm, Central Farms Hatchery, Silver Ward Hatchery, Townline Poultry, VanBree Poultry, The Chick Industry in the Zeeland Area, Lists of Zeeland Hatcheries | Agriculture | |
| Hatcheries (folder 2) | 1925-1933 | Various manuals, newspaper article & copy | Agriculture |
| Hatcheries (folder 3) | 1947-2003 | Advertisments from various hatcheries, Michigan History Magazine | Agriculture |
| Harbor Toy Company | no year | Post card announcing grand opening | Retail |
| Haven Huis/Rest Haven | Letters , minutes, reports, | Nursing home | |
| Heidema Box & Lumber Co. | 1951 | Receipt and envelope addressed to John G. Meppelink, Borculo | Construction |
| Heidema Lumber Co. | no date | Narrative, copy of photo | Construction |
| Herman Miller CO. | 1948-2006 | Fortune Magazine reprint, designer profiles, newspaper article copies, numerous company publications | Furniture |
| Heuvelhorst & Sons | 1948-1949 | Invoices | Construction |
| Hieftje Electrical | 1950 | Invoice | Construction |
| Hieftje Foods | no date | Copy of advertisiment | Grocery |
| Hoesch & Dekker | 1997 | Blueprint | Attorneys |
| Holleman-DeWeerd Auto Co. | 1924 | Newspaper ad | Automotive |
| Home Grocery and Market | 1942 & undated | Newspaper articles, brochure | Furniture |
| Howard Miller Community Center | 1978 and 2004 | Brochures | Organization |
| Hubbard, Spencer, Bartlet & Co. | 1933 | Advertising card | Manufacturing |
| Hubbel, H. L. | 2005 & undated | Newspaper article copy, brochures, narrative | Furniture |
| Hubbell Mfg. | 1952 | newspaper article copies | Furniture |
| Huizenga Grocery | 1936-1990 | Receipts, advertisement, narrative | Grocery |
| Huizenga Memorial Hospital | 1955 | Building contracts | Medical |
| Huyser Dry Goods | 1886 | Receipts | Retail |
| Interurban station | 1992 | City Communique | Service |
| I.G.A. Food Store | 1939 | Advertisment | Food |
| Ippel Painting | 2004 | Newspaper article copy | Construction |
| Jaarda's | 1963 | Newspaper advertisments | Retail |
| Jansen Farms | 2009-2011 | Driver's logs | Agriculture |
| Jay's Restaurant | no date | Advertisement | Restaurant |
| Jimmy John's | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Restaurant |
| John's Battery & Electric | 2004 | Newspaper article copy, copies of photoes | Automotive |
| Karsten (H.H.) Auto | 1915 | Letterhead | Automotive |
| Karsten & Wybenga | no date | Advertisment | Appliances |
| KLO-2529 Radio | no date | Advertisment | Communications |
| Kole (J.H.) Auto | 1928(?) | Copy of photo, advertiement | Automotive |
| Komejan Box & Lumber | 1948-49 | Invoices | Construction |
| Kraak Coal Co. | 1948 | Invoice | Utility |
| Kroger Grocery | 1930 | Advertisement | Grocery |
| LaHuis Co. | 1911-1920 | Store magazine, advertisments, receipts, newspaper article & copy | Retail |
| Land of Food | 1972 | Advertisment | Grocery |
| Langius Furnaces | 1949 | Invoice | Construction |
| LeCafe | no date | Menu | Restaurant |
| Lions Club | 1944-1955 | Play and banquet programs | Organization |
| Lippert | 2004 | Copy of newspaper article | Manufacturing |
| Lokkers Shoes | 1963, others no date | advertisements, newspaper articles | Retail |
| Macatawa Bank | 2005 | Invitation | Banking |
| Main Clothing & Shoe Co. | no date | Coupons | Retail |
| Main Place Antique Mall | no date | Advertisement | Retail |
| Massage Therapy Cnt. | 2004 | Newspaper article copy | Service |
| Mast Heating & Cooling | 2004 | Copy of obituary article | Construction |
| Mead Johnson | 1925, 1961 | Incorporation document, award | Food |
| Mead Johnson | Nov. 1969 | Newsletter “Mead Johnson News” Vol. 12, No. 7 | Manufacturing |
| Medical Access & Research | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Medical |
| Meeuwsen, J Hides & Poultry | no date | Tag | Agriculture |
| Middlehoek Dry Goods & Grocery | no date | Copy of photo | Retail |
| Mirant | 2001-2005 | Ribbon-cutting program, newspaper article copies | Utility |
| Montgomery Ward & Co. | 1930 | Receipt | Retail |
| Myers Scout Museum | no date | Brochures | Organization |
| News and Views | 1944 | Newsletter | Organization |
| Northuis Livery Stable | no date | Business card | Transportation |
| Nykamp Bros. | 1914 | Receipt | Retail |
| Nykamp's Store | no date | Advertisment | Grocery |
| Oakland Creamery | 1917 | letter | Food |
| ODL | 1995-2006 | Newspaper article copies | Manufacturing |
| Oil and gas leases | 1927-1954 | Legal documents | Utility |
| On Silver Shores | 2006 | Coupons | Retail |
| Ottawa County Jail | 1961 | Open house brochure | Government |
| Ottawa Creamery Co. | 1887-1890 | Bills, stock certificate | Food |
| Ottawa Roof & Truss Co. | 1967 | Envelope | Construction |
| Pathfinder's Travel | 1980 | Newspaper advertisement | Service |
| People's Market | no date | Newspaper advertisement | Grocery |
| Personal Safety Products | no date | Advertisement | Retail |
| Petrino's Pizzaria | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Restaurant |
| Phenix Cheese Co. | 1975-2012 | Articles, narrative and undated cards | Food |
| Pieper Barber Shop | no date | Newspaper clipping | Service |
| Pieper Jewelry/Optical | 1911-1915 | Bills, receipts, newspaper articles | Retail |
| Pizza Hut | no date | Newspaper article | Restaurant |
| Poest Bros. | no date | Coupons | Retail |
| Polyart Designs | no date | Business card | Design |
| Premier Sign | no date | Business card | Design |
| Pruim, E. J. Undertaking | 1920 | Receipt | Retail & service |
| Public | 2012 | Newspaper articles | Restaurant |
| Pyramid Oil Co. | 1963 | Newspaper advertisement | Utility |
| Quality Fuel & Supply | 1996 | Newspaper, invoices | Utility |
| Quality Furniture | 1963 | Newspaper advertisement | Retail |
| Rief, VanDen Bosch Co. | no date | Advertisment copy | Agriculture |
| Riding Club | 1947 | Program of events | Recreation |
| Rollarena Skating Center | 1983 | Newspaper advertisement | Recreation |
| Royal Casket Co. | 1976-2012 | Copies of articles | Manufacturing |
| Ryskamp Bros. Paint & Wallpaper | 1892 | Copy of photo (newspaper?) | Retail |
| Russcher Hog Farm | 1991 | Newspaper articles | Agriculture |
| Second Chance Shop | 2005 | Newspaper article copy | Retail |
| Scholten Shoes | 1994-2004 | Newspaper article and copies | Retail |
| Schwinn Bicycle | 2013-2014 | Newspaper article copies | Retail |
| Shoemaker, J. Shoes | 1963 | Advertisements | Retail |
| Silver Fox Glassworks | 2005-2006 | Newspaper article copies | Retail |
| Sligh Furniture | 1980-2004 | Newspaper articles, company publication | Manufacturing |
| Star Furniture | 1905 | Newspaper article copy | Manufacturing |
| Style Beauty Salon | 1963 | Newspaper advertisement | Service |
| Sweet Bean Café | no date | Newspaper article copy | Restaurant |
| Taatjes & Tol, Inc. | no date | Building map | Real Estate |
| Talsma Jewelry | 2006 | Newspaper article copy | Retail |
| Teusink's foods | no date | Receipt | Grocery |
| Townsend Manufacturing Co. | no date | Advertisment, book in reference | Manufacturing |
| Trend Clock Co. | 1965-1969 | Catalog, product tags, price list | Manufacturing |
| Unity Mills | no date | Photograph | Agriculture |
| VanBree Drugs | 1916 | Receipt | Drugs |
| VanDenBosch, John A Co. | 2002-2007 | Newspaper article copies | Agriculture |
| VandenBrink, A. Indurance | no date | Advertisement | Insurance |
| Vandermeer & Timmer Lumber | 1902 | Receipt | Lumber |
| VanDyke Co. | 1915 | Advertisement, letter | Household goods |
| VanEenenaam Grocery | no date | Advertisment | Grocery |
| VanEnk Woodcrafters | 2005 | Newspaper article copy | Wood products |
| VanHaitsma & Berghosrt | 1948-50 | Receipts, letter | Service |
| VanHoven, Gil Live Stock | no date | Business card | Agriculture |
| VerPlank Mfg. Co. | 1950 | Receipt, advertisement | Caskets |
| VanPursem, attorney | 1950-1951 | Letters | Service |
| VanRaalte's Restaurant | 1989-1998 | Newspaper articles & copies, misc. | Restaurant |
| Van's electric | no date | Postcards | Utility |
| Van's Super Service | no date, 2014 | Company publications, narrative | Automotive |
| Veneklassen Auto Parts | 2012 | Narrative | Automotive |
| veneklassen Bricks | 1947-2005 | Narratives, newspaper article copies | Construction |
| VerHage Hardware | 1997 | Narrative | Retail |
| VerHage Milling | 1911 & other | Letter and narrative, book in reference | Agriculture |
| Vis Radio & Restaurant | no date | Advertisement | Retail |
| Vitale's Pizza | 2007 | Newspaper article | Restaurant |
| Vita Products, Inc. | no date | Advertisment copy | Food |
| Vollink Gros. | no date | Advertisement copy | Automotive |
| Wagenaar, J. | 1947 | Receipt | Retail |
| Walter's Gardents | 2006 | Newspaper article copy, tag | Agriculture |
| Warren Millinery | 1930 | Receipt | Retail |
| Wayne Feed Store | no date | Advertisement copy | Agriculture |
| West Side Service | no date | Business card | Automotive |
| Westenbroek Gravel | 1947-54 | Bills | Service |
| Wichers Lumber | 1913-1920 | Receipts, advertisement | Construction |
| Wierda's Paint | 1963 | Advertisement | Household goods |
| Wieringa & VanHees | no date | Advertisement | Household goods |
| Wiersma Store | no date | Price list | Grocery |
| Wind Turbine | 2002 | Newspaper article copy | Schools |
| Wolverine Furniture | 1912 | Stock certificates | Manufacturing |
| Wolverine Hatchery | 1939 | Newspaper advertisement | Agriculture |
| Woodward FST | 2001 | Newspaper article copy | Manufacturing |
| WPNW Radio Station | 2004 | Newspaper article | Communications |
| Wyngarden Print Shop | 1951 | Bill | Service |
| Yerkey Ford | 1967 | Newspaper article | Automotive |
| Yntema Funeral Home | no date | Newspapaer article | Service |
| Zeeland Bakery | 2001 and undated | Newsarticles | Grocery |
| Zeeland Book Shop | 1947-1997 | Receipts, newspaper articles | Retail |
| Zeeland Brick | 1892-2010 | Correspondence, narritives, newspaper article copies, pictures | Construction |
| Zeeland Chamber of Commerce | 2005 | Newspaper article copy, publication | Organization |
| Zeeland Chemicals | no date | Newspaper article copy | Manufacturing |
| Zeeland Community Hospital | 2006 | Advertisement | Health care |
| Zeeland Depot | no date | Narrative | Transportation |
| Zeelannd Dry Cleaners | no date | Advertisement | Service |
| Zeeland Farm Services | 1980-2006 | Newspaper articles and copies | Manufacturing |
| Zeeland Farmers Co-operative | 1950 | Receipt | Agriculture |
| Zeeland Farmers Co-operative | 1951 | Annual Financial Statement | Agriculture |
| Zeeland Floral & Gifts | 1980 | Advertisement | Retail |
| Zeeland Flower Farms | no date | Empty envelope | Agriculture |
| Zeeland Furniture Co. | 1902-1997 | Receipts, correspondence, narrative, price lists, samples | Wood products |
| Zeeland Fuel & Lime Co. | 1910 | Receipt | Construction |
| Zeeland Hardware | no date | Newspaper article | Retail |
| Zeeland Hospital | 1928-2007 | Publications, newspaper articles and copies, narratives | Health care |
| Zeeland Industrial Park | empty | ||
| Zeeland Jewelers | no date | Receipt tablet, business card | |
| Zeeland Lumber | 1950-2005 | Receipts, newspaper article copies | Construction |
| Zeeland Milling Co., | 1899-1902 | Correspondence, receipt | Agriculture |
| Zeeland Millinery | 1895 | Receipt | Retail |
| Zeeland Ornamental Co. | 1933-2006 | Price lists, newspaper article copy | Manufacturing |
| Zeeland Post Office | 1903 - 2004 | Correspondence, newspaper articles, nartrative, Directory of Rural Mail Routes | Government |
| Zeeland Poultry | no date | Brochure | Food |
| Zeeland Print Shop | 1853-2012 | Newspaper article copies, book - Early American Advertising Art | Communications |
| Zeeland Radiator | no date | Business card | Automotive |
| Zeeland Record | 1924-2006 | Newspaper articles, receipts | Communications |
| Zeeland Sports Center | 2005 | Newspaper articles | Retail |
| Zeeland Sports Hall of Fame | Bi-annual dinner programs | Organization | |
| Zeeland Super Market | no date | Advertisement | Retail |
| Zeeland Wood Turning | 1992-2012 | Newspaper article copies | Wood products |
| Zeeland Variety | 1963 | Newspaper ad | Retail |