P. Henry De Pree / P. Henry De Pree House
The Dutch immigrant family of P. Henry De Pree (1865-1943) came to the Zeeland area in 1849. With his brother William, P. Henry ran a hardware store and other businesses in Zeeland and Holland. After being elected Zeeland village president in 1904, De Pree helped secure the city´s 1907 charter and became its first mayor. For many years he was Sunday school supervisor in the Second Reformed Church, which his family helped found.Built in 1899, the Queen Anne style P. Henry De Pree House was among the first homes designed by Grand Rapids architect Thomas Benjamin (1861-1950). Benjamin, with his son Adrian, would later design more than two hundred area homes, businesses and churches. Stained and leaded glass windows are prevalent. White oak was used to finish the interior, which included hand- painted details. The home remained in the De Pree family until 1977.
Plaque via Michigan History Center