owner Carter P. Brown proposed the idea of creating a public park with 'an authentic Dutch windmill,' a symbol of Holland's Dutch heritage. To do so, city officials needed permission from the Dutch government, which protects windmills as national monuments. Willard C. Wichers, Midwest director for the Netherlands Information Service, led negotiations with the Dutch over a three-year period. In June 1964 he traveled to the Netherlands to find a suitable mill and finalize arrangements to buy and move it. In Vinkel, North Brabant, stood a mill that had been built in 1884 using pieces from older Mills. Named De Zwaan (the Swan), it had been damaged during World War II and had deteriorated. Dutch officials allowed its sale but required that Dutch millwright Jan D. Medendorp supervise its relocation and restoration." See also Tulip Time References External links Windmill Island Gardens - official site About Holland PDF Windmill marks 40 years in Holland Windmill De Zwaan more than just a symbol of Holland City’s roots National Register of Historic Places in Ottawa County, Michigan Dutch-American culture in Michigan Buildings and structures in Holland, Michigan Museums in Ottawa County, Michigan Tourist attractions in Ottawa County, Michigan Smock mills in the United States Grinding mills in Michigan Relocated buildings and structures in Michigan Octagonal buildings in the United States Wind power in Michigan Buildings and structures completed in 1761 Mill museums in Michigan Agricultural buildings and structures in Michigan