Holland to Delavan; Subject: Nieuwenhuis Immigration

In 1998, Ed Chesko visited the Nieuwenhuis rummage sale, and suggested to Mel Nieuwenhuis that he should interview his parents and some other members of the Dutch community about their life stories. He suggested asking where they came from and how they came to Delavan. Mel thought this was a good idea, and relized his son Aaron was the perfect age to partner with him on this project.

The interviews that began with his parents Eli & Alice Nieuwenhuis, went on to include interviews with Arie & Shirley Terpstra and George and Willy Jeninga. These films were put away for many years, and a few of those interviewed are no longer with us making these dialogues even more prized.

The Eli and Alice Nieuwenhuis interview will be the subject of the upcoming Delavan Historical Society Program. From their homeland of Holland, discover how they came to southeast Wisconsin and their discussions about what they left behind.

This program will take place on Thursday, September 20th, at 7:00pm at the Community Bank Community Centre, 826 E. Geneva Street. This program is open to the public and free of charge. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Patti Marsicano 745-9473.