In 1848; the second year of the new Dutch kolonie in West Michigans Ottawa County; a much-needed brick manufacturing industry was begun in the rich clay fields between Groningen and Zeeland. From humble beginnings that included digging barefoot in the clay; the company created by Dutch immigrant Jan Hendrik Veneklasen and his son Berend flourished for more than seventy-five years and contributed to a unique architectural legacy.While Veneklasen Brick Co. (later Zeeland Brick Co.) remained in the family; success demanded that it expand beyond the Zeeland area. Strengthened by the purchase of clay pits elsewhere in West Michigan and benefiting from the arrival of railroad lines; Veneklasen eventually became one of the largest brick companies in the state. Veneklasens bricks were used in commercial; industrial; and public settings; but their residential application has drawn the most attention. Mixing traditional Dutch patterns and constantly changing American housing styles; local brick masons left behind a prime example of nineteenth-century Dutch-American material culture.Drawing from untapped primary sources; Michael Doumas work traces the history of the Veneklasen family; the development of the Veneklasen company; and the impact of its products on local construction. The first-ever book-length analysis of West Michigan Dutch contributions to architecture; Veneklasen Brick also addresses issues of conservation and preservation. The volume contains numerous illustrations; graphs; maps; and a comprehensive listing of nineteenth-century brick houses in southern Ottawa and northern Allegan counties.
#3460642 in eBooks 2012-03-29 2012-03-29File Name: B007PQMQG8
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