For many of us longtime Michiganders (or Michiganians), the month of May means tulips. More specifically, the Tulip Time Festival in Holland. For some, those words evoke memories of a very warm (or wet), blister-inducing parade. For others, Tulip Time is when the state’s leaders don Dutch garb to clean the streets. It’s a beloved, if quirky, Michigan tradition.
Naturally, west siders have also brought their culture and traditions to the Capitol. Here’s a glimpse at a few Holland related things in the Capitol’s collection.
Cheerful spring tulips appear on several historic postcards featuring Governor Austin Blair’s statue on Capitol Square.
By the mid-20th century, Holland’s famous tulips and wooden shoes frequently appeared on Michigan-themed souvenir plates along with the Capitol.
Four costumed women singers from Holland sang for the opening of House session in 1960.
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A group of delegates at the 1961-62 Constitutional Convention referred to themselves as “the Dutch Mafia.” According to a former lobbyist turned Capitol docent, west side legislators self-identified using the same moniker in the 1960s and 1970s. They frequently enjoyed inexpensive lunches together in the nearby YWCA cafeteria.
Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams, in full Dutch costume, stopped to chat with a boy during the 1960 Tulip Time street scrubbing event. Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist likewise wore Dutch costumes for their 2019 parade appearance.
