Zeeland in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Michigan's "Chick Center"

Photographed By Kathy Garman, June 6, 2021

1. Michigan's "Chick Center" Marker

Inscription. Zeeland´s origin as a major center for the poultry industry dates from 1906, when farmer Douwe Wyngarden purchased two mail order incubators and started the area´s first commercial chicken hatchery. Thirty years later, with Zeeland hatcheries leading the way, the Zeeland-Holland area produced millions of chicks. In 1947 the Michigan Tradesman hailed Zeeland as the chick capital of the state and reported that 10 million chicks were shipped annually from forty area hatcheries. The magazine stated that the area was "nationally recognized as the quality chick center of the United States." The industry´s importance was reflected in many aspects of Zeeland´s civic life. The high school´s sports teams were named the "Chicks" (later, "Chix"), and an annual pageant crowned a "Zeeland Chick Queen."

Erected 2010 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2218C.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 42° 48.645′ N, 86° 0.837′ W. Marker is in Zeeland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. Marker is at the intersection of South Church

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Street and East Central Avenue, on the right when traveling north on South Church Street. Located in the NE corner portion of Three Corners Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Zeeland MI 49464, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Reformed Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Zeeland Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); P. Henry De Pree / P. Henry De Pree House (approx. ¼ mile away); Veneklasen Brick Company / Veneklasen Brick (approx. 1.1 miles away); New Groningen / Jan Rabbers (approx. 1.4 miles away); New Groningen Cemetery / Groningen (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Van Raalte Farm (approx. 3.1 miles away); Noordeloos / Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Zeeland.

Michigan's "Chick Center" Marker located in Northeast Corner of Three Corners Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, June 6, 2021

2. Michigan's "Chick Center" Marker located in Northeast Corner of Three Corners Park

The Second Reform Church is seen in the background.

Photographed By John Garman, June 6, 2021

3. Michigan's "Chick Center" Marker

A view looking northwest from in front of the Second Reform Church on East Central Avenue. The marker is on the far left hand side of the image.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 23, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.