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Holland was founded in 1859 by Henry Kunz, who settled here in 1855 when the land was covered by native forest.  His original plot was dated May 20, 1859.  It is believed the town was named Holland because the neighboring settlements referred to the early German settlers as Dutchmen.  Holland celebrated it’s 100 year birthday in August 1959, 125 years in August 1984, and 135 years in September 1994.  The annual Community Fest was started by the fire department in September 2002 to dedicate the new 2001 fire truck pumper and has continued through to today, celebrating each September on the third Saturday of the month.

Holland proudly boasts the only life-size windmill in Dubois County, possibly Southern Indiana.  The windmill was built in May 1970 by the Holland Kiwanis Club and graces the entrance to the 30-acre park and 24-acre lake.  The park has two shelter houses and a log cabin, two playground areas, volleyball, tennis, softball, and basketball courts, and a lovely 1.75 mile-long wooded hiking trail that meanders through the primitive camp sites and crosses the dam between the lakes.  The lake often finds anglers relaxing at the edge and in electric-motored boats.  The history of Holland is being compiled by Lee Bilderback and Bill Bartelt.  The “coffee-table-type” picture book will be ready for purchase in July 2009.  You may contact Lee at 812-536-5133 for more details on the history book.

Group photo of current Fire Department members, Feb '07

Today's Officers are:
Chief: Greg Englert
First Assistant Chief: Bryan Luker
Second Assistant Chief: John Hemmer
Secretary: Elizabeth Elshoff
Treasurer: Doug Partenheimer

Fire Department History

The Holland Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated originated from the efforts of the Holland Home Mutual Insurance Company in June of 1891. The public of Holland, Indiana demanded that something be done to protect their property in case of fire. Meetings were held and resolved that a company be organized to be known as the Holland Fire Engine Company. The Holland Fire Engine Company would provide fire protection to those members of the fire insurance company. H.J. Meyer, C.H. Rottger, and William Heitman were appointed to a committee to find out what a "hand fire engine" would cost. After some checking with L.M. Rumsey Manufacturing Company of Seneca Falls, New York, it was decided in October of 1891 to order and purchase a hand pumper for $245.00. This "hand fire engine" would be delivered by rail via St. Louis, Missouri to Huntingburg, Indiana.

Dan Tornmohlen, C.H. Rottger, and August Wibbeler were appointed to a committee to plan a picnic in order to raise money to buy a "hand fire engine". In the summer of 1891, a benefit picnic was held to raise money to purchase a hand-operated pumper.

It was resolved that anyone wishing to become a member of the Holland Fire Engine Company, that lives within the limits of the Town of Holland must pay 1/2 percent of the amount of their policy or $.50 on every $100.00 as insured by the Holland Home Mutual Insurance Company.

The first regular meeting of the Fire Department was held on October 17, 1891 with H.J. Meyer chosen as Chairman and Dr. H.W. Stork chosen as secretary. A total of 83 subscribers were members (volunteers) belonging to the Fire Department in 1891. The list below of the 83 subscribers of 1891.

Interested in more history of the Fire Department? You may have it all by getting your very own History Book.

Indiana Tourism: www.enjoyindiana.com
Dubois County Tourism: www.duboiscounty.org
Holiday World: www.holidayworld.com
Local Churches: Holland and Zoar United Methodist at humzum@psci.net
St. Paul & Augustana United Churches of Christ at spaucc@psci.net
Holland Volunteer Fire Department at hollandvfd@psci.net