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United Methodist Women
First United Methodist Church |
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The first large Dutch immigration to America began in the 1840s, arriving in western Michigan in 1847. Within two years, despite malaria, smallpox, dysentery, insufficient food, and other impediments, a steady stream of Dutch immigrants had established Holland, Zeeland, Vriesland, Drenthe, and Graafschap. Subsequent immigrations in the 1880s and after World War II scattered Dutch throughout the state, although the highest concentration still is in western Michigan. Dutch-Americans have made major contributions to American culture through politics and government, education, industry, and foodways. Today’s all-American foods, such as cookies, pancakes, waffles, doughnuts, pretzels, and coleslaw, were originally brought to this country by early Dutch settlers. A Dutch-American food not yet widely known is "pigs in the blanket" (saucijzenbroodjes), a popular treat offered by the Women’s Club of the First United Methodist Church of Holland. |
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