Holland’s first lighthouse keeper to be honored with special grave marker

HOLLAND — The city of Holland’s first lighthouse keeper will soon be recognized with an official grave marker commemorating his service.

Melgert Van Regenmorter was appointed as Holland’s first lighthouse keeper in 1870 and held the role for 37 years before retiring.

This summer, on the centennial of his death, Van Regenmorter will be honored with a U.S. Lighthouse Service grave marker, recognizing his time serving the people of Holland.

Holland Museum is organizing an event to dedicate the marker at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, where Van Regenmorter is buried.

The public is invited to the ceremony, where several of Van Regenmorter’s descendants will be in attendance, along with speakers and members from other West Michigan lighthouse and maritime organizations.

Parking will be available at Hope College’s Ray and Sue Smith Stadium. Seating will not be provided during the ceremony.

Van Regenmorter immigrated from the Netherlands in 1847 as part of Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte’s original group of settlers. He also fought in the Civil War.

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Following his service in the war, he served as keeper of the Holland Harbor Lighthouse from 1870-1907. He continued to live in the area following his retirement and died Aug. 18, 1923, at age 85.

For more information, contact Deb Wake at debra@hollandmuseum.org.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland’s first lighthouse keeper to receive special grave marker