There’s no better way to experience the culture and history of rural Olive Township than by hitting the road to travel through the countryside, as colorful quilt patterns adorn barns and outbuildings, family homesteads, and public spaces.
Olive Township’s Quilt Trail celebrates the history of agriculture, the time-honored tradition of quilting, the community’s passion of art, community pride, and country hospitality. Visit the gallery to see more photos of the quilt trail structures.
Click here to view an interactive Google Map of the trail
Americana Star
Olive Township Historical Museum — 11768 Polk St, Holland
The “Americana Star” quilt design was chosen to honor our country. The community began painting the quilt block at the Olive Township Museum at our annual Memorial Day event in 2014. The committee completed it in 2014. The block is on display at the museum.
Maple Leaves
Machiela Residence — 12030 Polk St, Holland
Jerry and Bev have lived on Polk Street since 1975. The barn built in 1973 was already on the property and was home to many horses over the years. Most were race horses. They planted maple trees and have enjoyed the vibrant colors of autumn. The barn quilt, “Maple Leaves,” reflects their love of the fall season.
Farmer's Daughter
Boerigter Homestead — 8331 112th Ave, West Olive
The colorful barn quilt in the pattern of “Farmer’s Daughter” was chosen by Wayne and Lois because Lois grew up on the farm and was, therefore, a farmer’s daughter.
Corn and Beans
Boerigter Homestead — 8331 112th Ave, West Olive
The granary at the Boerigter Homestead, which was built in 1905, displays a barn quilt called “Corn and Beans” as that was its use of storage.
Hens & Chicks
Kit & Sandy Karsten Residence — 12085 Polk St, Holland
The brightly colored quilt square on the chicken coop represents “Hens & Chicks.” The building located directly behind the house has had several uses over the years. The original building was built in the 1930s. It is currently home to Rhode Island Red Chickens.
Patriotic Pride
Kit & Sandy Karsten Residence — 12085 Polk St, Holland
Kit and Sandy’s second quilt square, “Patriotic Pride,” honors men and women in the military in their family. The names of thirteen family members who served from WWII to present day are inscribed on the back. They are remembered with pride and gratitude!
Carpenter's Wheel
Nienhuis Residence — 11349 Tyler St, Holland
The barn built in 2008 is home to Jack’s workshop. Jack and Sue’s talents are evident in the many decorative DIY projects they have accomplished in their home.
Harvest Star
Nienhuis Farm — 12170 Tyler St, Holland
Brent and Candace chose the “Harvest Star” quilt block pattern because their favorite time of the year has always been autumn, when the farmers are doing much of their harvesting.
The Tree of Life
Hosley Residence — 7867 120th Ave, Holland
Ron and Sally like the design and meaning, which is based on the Biblical text of Revelation 22:2, referencing a tree as the “Tree of Life”.
Ohio Star
Josh and Brooke VanderToorn Farm — 10520 Blair St, Zeeland
This barn was built over 100 years ago. A third story and second floor were added by former owner John Rozema. John grew up and lived there with his wife Minnie and their two daughters. Chickens were raised on the second floor and the first floor housed horses, dairy cows, rabbits, goats, cats, turkeys, and of course creepy, crawly things. The VanderToorn family enjoy gardening and caring for their many pets.
Anchored in Christ
Neil and Elaine Jacobsen Homestead — 8340 120th Ave, West Olive
Neil and Elaine Jacobsen received this “Anchored in Christ” quilt board as a gift from their children and grandchildren. They enjoy the design because it is so grand and meaningful which represents their family.
Pin Wheel in the Round
Neil and Elaine Jacobsen Homestead — 8340 120th Ave, West Olive
The quilt block was given to Neil & Elaine by their children for their 60th Wedding Anniversary. It is a beautiful addition to this over 100 year old barn.
Hunters Star
DeJonge Residence — 12252 Croswell St, West Olive
Jim and Mary Ann (Boers) have lived on Croswell Street since 1975. In 1988, they moved into their current residence which includes 25 acres on the back of the former Boers farm on Polk Street. Mary Ann’s grandfather, Henry Boers, established the 82 acre farm in 1908. Her father, Claude Boers, lived at the Polk Street farm from 1955 until his death in 1985. The “Hunters Star” is symbolic of Jim’s love for hunting.
Spinning Star
DeJonge Residence — 12252 Croswell St, West Olive
Mary Ann was pleasantly surprised to win the raffle prize of a quilt board. “Spinning Star” proudly graces the front porch of the De Jonge home built in 1988.
Friendship Star
Headley Farm — 10000 Barry St, Zeeland
Rog and Karen chose this “Friendship Star” pattern for their barn, which is dedicated to Karen’s grandmother, Tena (VanderKooi) Bartels. Grandma Tena worked many hours, with her hands, creating beautiful quilts for family and friends. Grandma Tena wrote many poems and was a friend to all.
Country Patriotic Flag
Ron and Jane Brouwer — 14264 Blair St, Holland
Ron and Jane (Haveman) Brouwer lived on this property creating family memories for many years. It was previously owned by Jane’s family for about 50 years. After downsizing to another home in 2014, Ron and Jane retained the land and continue to enjoy it with their children and grandchildren. They chose a patriotic quilt theme to honor Ron’s service in the U.S Army.
From There to Here
Lillian Veldheer — 11953 New Holland St, Holland
Russell and Lillian Veldheer purchased the property in late 1951. They built the barn in 1985; some people called it “Russ’ Toy Box” since it was built to house his toys. In 2007 they built the house that is currently on the property and sold the old farmhouse which was moved away.
The quilt design was chosen because of the patriotic colors. Russ and Lil often wore red, white and blue jackets; and Russ often wore a hat of these colors. The colors are also the colors of the flag of the Netherlands which is their heritage.
Hens & Chicks
Schrotenboer Homestead — 10135 96th Ave, Zeeland
Johnny worked in the office at Herman Miller for 36 years and raised chickens for 20 years. That is the reason they chose the “Hen & Chick” quilt pattern. They are not certain how old the barn is, but it was certainly an old barn when they moved onto the farm. Madelyn and Johnny say the best view of the quilt would be to make use of their circular driveway.
Tractor Colors
Schreur Home — 9497 96th Ave, Zeeland
Ron designed his very own “Tractor Colors” quilt pattern. The colors represent the various tractor brands of which he had left over paints after he painted the tractors. The building was built in 1969 and is home to several antiques placed in the front yard.
Dove at the Window
Todd & Debbie Wolters Barn — 6758 136th Ave, Holland
The barn, part of the family farm, was built in the early 20th century with the silo added in the 1920’s. The farm has been home to the Wolters for 5 generations with horses and chickens recently returning to make it their residence.
Country Patriotic Flag
Kathy Headley — 9181 96th Ave, Zeeland
This quilt square was given to Kathy by her family, and represents their patriotism to America — the greatest land on earth! Kathy has three family members that served in the Army and the Marines, as well as several extended family members who were part of the military dating back to WWII. Kathy’s residence was purchased in 1999 and was originally part of her family’s farm. God Bless America!
SonRise
Roger Sr. and Sandy Headley — 9330 96th Ave., Zeeland
The Headley’s quilt is named “SonRise” to honor the Son of God. Roger Sr. and Sandy Headley moved to this farm in 1972. The barn was built in the late 1800’s by Jan (John) Holstege. In the 1850’s the farm was owned by John Ball of John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It had been a chicken farm until the 1980’s. The land is used to produce crops.
Flying Kite
VanderZwaag Residence — 7732 116th Ave, Holland
On land that was once a Christmas tree farm stands a Victorian farmhouse built in 1988 and a storage barn (1990), once a pony stable. The “Flying Kite” quilt is a reminder of kite flying days in the wide open country fields surrounding this homestead.
Friendship
Tim & Cara Koomen Family Farm — 4555 104th Ave, Zeeland
The building with the “Friendship” quilt block is used for storage.
Tulips and Crosses
Ottawa Reformed Church — 11390 Stanton St, West Olive
Ottawa Reformed Church was organized by the Classis of Holland on October 20, 1915 as a Reformed Church in America denomination. Early services were held at the Ottawa Station School until the first building was dedicated on December 14, 1916. In 1972 a new church building was erected on the property followed by additions in 1986 and 1992 when the Grace Center came to be. The Church celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary in 2015.
Ottawa Church Mission Statement is “Loving and Leading people to Live for Jesus.”
Cow in the Barn
The Soft Spot — 9622 Port Sheldon St, Zeeland
The cow theme runs deep with ice cream treats and hot eats at The Soft Spot from early spring when the business opens until the chill of fall is in the air. The Little Red Barn, The Kids Spot, home to the “Cow in the Barn” quilt block, was built especially for kids by Grandpa Ed in 2015. He was 85 years old at the time and a builder and owner of Harrington Homes in Holland. The barn is a fun place for kids to play in.
Sunflower
Delwyn & Sheila Vanden Bosch — 7675 96th Ave, Zeeland
The large hip roof barn was owned by the Gebben family for dairy cows and farm use. It is over 100 years old. In 1960 William Niemeyer purchased the land and turned the barn into a hatchery. Del & Sheila bought the property in 2001 for business use and storage purposes.
Flags
Melanie Lopez — 7675 96th Ave, Zeeland
The “Flags” Quilt design honors the patriotism of three generations who served in the military. The three stall storage building built in the 1980’s serves as a garage and workshop.
Lancaster Rose
Verlin & Marlene Vanden Bosch Residence — 4385 104th Ave, Zeeland
The storage barn, home to the “Lancaster Rose” quilt block, was built in 1968. It was a team effort with father & sons working together. The quilt pattern is one of Marlene’s favorites. She is an avid quilter.
Western Star
Jim & Pam Vander Zwaag — 6136 120th Ave Holland
The barn built in 1902 is 4th generation owned. It was the last working dairy farm in Olive Township until April of 2018 when the operation ceased. The well-maintained Centennial Farm has the original stanchions for milking cows. The quilt board displayed on the barn was created by the owners to compliment the structure.
Cardinal
Klomp Residence — 12107 Polk St, Holland
The little red barn built in 1967 by Levi and Charley Bartels was home to the Douma Family dog Schnooks and her many large litters of puppies. After Gerson & Bertha passed, the home was first a rental then purchased by Elma Jane Vander Zwaag in 2000. In 2006 it became the residence of Tena Klomp. The cardinal is one of Tena’s favorite birds!
Sunflower Puzzle
Cal & Mary Van Ommen Homestead - 11357 Greenly St, Holland
The barn, home to the “Sunflower Puzzle” quilt block, was built in 1989 after a fire. The building is used for storage. The house, once occupied by grandparents is now home to Cal & Mary. The “Sunflower Puzzle” quilt block is the result of the love of this beautiful summer flower!
Mariner's Compass
Kenneth & Sharon Zeinstra Farm — 4781 104th Avenue, Zeeland
The Zeinstra family is recognized as a Centennial Farm. The 1918 barn displays the colorful quilt pattern created by the Amish in Shipshewana. The Mariner’s Compass is a reminder this successful working farm is “going forward in the right direction.”
Bear Claws
Benjamin & Racheal Van Dort Residence — 9431 Barry Street, Zeeland
Three generations share the memories of this historic barn built in 1863. Large boulders support the vertical beams made of 10×10 foot timbers, held together with hand-hewn pegs. The large quilt board accents this historic structure beautifully.
Star Spangled
Dwight & Vonnie Vander Zwaag Homestead — 11818 Polk Street, Holland
The Vander Zwaag barn was built in 1992 with lumber salvaged from the nearby Boers barn. It was built in 1909 for Henry Boers after the previous barn was struck by lightning. The front boards exposed to weather for 110 years have never been painted, and now proudly display the colorful Star Spangled quilt board, a gift given by their children.
Turkey Tracks
Merle & Sheri De Witt Home — 8700 124th Avenue, West Olive
The hobby farm on this beautiful wooded lot is home to both wild and domestic animals. Flocks of wild turkeys frequently visit this park-like setting. The storage barn displaying the quilt board “Turkey Tracks” was a Christmas gift from their children. The family turkey business played an important role in their lives.
Please drive in the first driveway to view the quilt.
Red Power
Baumann Family — 8235 124th Ave, Holland
Farming runs deep in the Baumann family. Both husband and wife were born and raised on farms where the International Farmall was the tractor of choice. After 34 years of living in their home nestled in the woods where gardens and wildlife abound, the red tractor is still used for work and play. Go Red Power!
Beautiful Butterfly
Geurink Farm — 10080 Polk St, Zeeland
The white storage building is adorned with the Beautiful Butterfly quilt. It is a reminder that the beauty of God’s creation is all around us.
Promised Land
Marlin & Paula Brandsen — 6493 128th Ave, Holland
The beautiful red barn built around 1888 was sold to the Brandsen family in 1902. It was an 80 acre farm growing crops of corn and hay. Forty acres were on the south side of Port Sheldon Street and the other 40 were on the north side where the barn and house stand today. Now the farm is 11 acres. The farm house and land, the barn, the chicken coop and another building once housing pigs back in the early days are all part of what the family happily calls “The Promised Land.”
For All Generations
Marlin & Paula Brandsen Farm — 6493 128th Ave, Holland
The chicken coop built in 1949 was known as the largest coop in Olive Township. It housed several hundred layer hens that supplied eggs for the Van Harn Egg Company and the neighbors. Currently chickens, quail, peacocks and exotic pheasants are raised in the coop. The colorful quilt was lovingly designed and painted by a member of the family. The farm holds the memories of the past generations and looks forward to making more memories “For All Generations” to come.
Patriotic Star
Kooiker Farm — 12500 Polk St, Holland
The original barn was built in the 1930’s. Laverne & Ruth purchased the farm in 1967 with the intentions of growing crops to sell at the Holland Farmers’ Market. For ten years they raised strawberries and vegetables. In the 1980’s the barn was enlarged for storage.
The Patriotic Star pattern was chosen to show the pride and patriotism for our country!
The Old Rugged Cross
Kooiker Farm — 12500 Polk Street, Holland
The two story white farmhouse with the classic country front porch was built sometime in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. It has passed through a number of owners before it was bought by Ruth & Laverne in 1967. The quilt board on the porch features a cross that represents the owners Christian values and honors the cherished hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross”.
God Bless America
Geurink Farm — 10080 Polk St, Zeeland
The original house and barn built in 1908 were purchased by the Geurink family in 1974. The first barn was used for normal farm activities with repairs done as needed. In 2008 due to costly repairs needed and safety concerns, the barn was taken down. The “loft” barn was constructed to fit the needs for storage and animal care. The high visibility of the barn to the road lended itself to a barn quilt. In the search for patterns, God’s faithful guidance led us to this patriotic quilt entitled “God Bless America.” Our hope is that the quilt will be a reminder of the blessings God gives us each day.
Sunflower Star
Visser Farm — 7263 120th Ave, Holland
The newly erected storage barn was built in 2021. The building houses farm implements and cattle. Near by stands the Dutch style barn built in 1906. Prior to the Visser’s, Ken and Hazel Jacobsen celebrated the barn’s 100th birthday in 2006.
The beautiful sunflower star pattern on the quilt board highlights the south side peak of the barn facing Tyler Street. Friends lovingly painted and gifted the quilt board to the Visser’s on their wedding day.
