Collecting Dutch

Everyone who knows me is well aware of my passion for collecting "all things Dutch".  For more than 35 years I have accumulated various colorful pieces of chalk-ware, wall hangings, pictures, windmills, tablecloths, dishes, and odds and ends - all vintage pieces from the 1950's when all of this was very popular.  My kitchen is certainly a colorful place with all the reds, blues, yellows and pinks of these items.  People always ask me "Why do you like Dutch things?  Aren't you Polish? How did you get started on the idea?"  I think it all stems from the early 1950's when my parents took me to the Tulip Festival in Holland Michigan.  Those trips always impressed me so much, and I loved the tulips planted all over town.  As a family we made several trips to Holland Michigan and I loved every trip.   Below are a couple photos showing me in 1952 at age 4, and then again in 1957 at the Tulip Festival.   Those trips, along with the popularity of Dutch-themed kitchenware of the times, began a lifelong passion with me.  Unfortunately, I think today's Tulip Festival is much more commercialized and the town is filled with 'tourist traps'.

My sister and I like to search the antique stores for new items to add, and sometimes folks will add to my collection when they see something they know I would love!  Earlier this month my sister and I found a set of planters at an antique store in Michigan City Indiana
that were just too cute to pass up!  And my son and his wife in Massachusetts found a lovely colorful hotplate tile and gave it to me while I was out visiting them earlier this month.  So, here are photos of me in earlier days, and photos of my latest 'treasures'!  I have always wondered why some people are collectors and some aren't.  Anyone have an answer to that??

L, 1952 me and Mom and sister.......R, 1957, me and Mom and sister and Grandmother

Planters from Michigan City

Tile from Massachusetts