Order Tulip Bulbs!

Princess Margriet of the Netherlands made her first trip to Pella, Iowa on October 1, 1997. Her itinerary began with a tour of Scholte House. Mid-morning, the Princess arrived at the Historical Village. Following a tour of the complex, school children presented a special program in the garden.

After visiting the Pella Historical Village, Margriet spent time in downtown Pella, the site of the future Molengracht canal project. A luncheon in honor of the Princess was held at the Opera House.

The day was highlighted with Princess Margriet’s afternoon dedication of the Scholte House Statuary Garden.

Margriet and her husband, Peter van Vollenhoven traveled to Pella, Holland, Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin as part of a series of sesquicentennial and centennial celebrations.

Princess Margriet’s Visit

What a beautiful day for a visit from Princess Margriet and her husband Pieter Van Vollenhoven. The October 1, 1997 visit seemed flawless, right down to the 3:00 p.m. sharp departure from Scholte Garden.

The program at the Historical Village by the school children was a delight. Mr. Van Vollenhoven was so captivated by the music that he jumped to his feet clapping and shouted, “Bravo!”. Our thanks to the music instructors for putting together the wonderful program

The Royal Party was seated on the balcony of the Wyatt Earp House, a perfect spot for them to view the program and to be seen by the children.

The Pella Historical Society presented as a gift, a set of Pella Collector cups with scenes of the Historical Village. Princess Margriet gave the Village a color photo.

A video of the entire visit is available for purchase; contact the Historical Village. Photos are also available to order.

Bio

Princess Margriet’s older sister is Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. During W.W.II Holland’s Princess Juliana lived in Ottawa, Canada. While on the safety of Canadian soil, Juliana gave birth to her third daughter in a hospital room specially declared international territory in order to preserve the baby’s Dutch nationality. Juliana’s mother, Queen Wilhelmina, sought refuge in England during Holland’s war-time siege. As a reminder of nationality and Holland’s resistance under German occupation, Queen Wilhelmina established the custom of refugee Dutchmen wearing a Dutch daisy, or marguerite, on their lapels. Accordingly, Princess Juliana named her baby Margriet, as a symbol of hope for the Netherlands.

Margriet is fourth in line for the throne of the Netherlands. Princess Margriet and her husband, jazz pianist Peter van Vollenhoven, have four sons. Margriet is the first female member of the Dutch Royal Family to marry a Dutchman. As an ambassador, Margriet travels the world strengthening ties to the Netherlands. In the 1970′s Princess Margriet and Peter van Vollenhoven lived in igloos and hunted with the Inuit on Somerset Island, Northwest Territories. The book, Eskimo’s mensen zonder tijd, recounts their experiences. The Princess’ busy schedule includes serving as President of the Dutch Red Cross.

Princess Juliana’s 1942 Visit to Pella

Princess Margriet’s mother, Princess Juliana made a trip to Pella while living in Canada during W.W.II. Juliana appeared on the Tulip Tower stage in Pella’s Central Park. In 1948, Queen Wilhelmina turned the throne to Juliana. Later, in 1980, Queen Juliana abdicated in favor of her daughter Beatrix.