Worksheet # 19          Home Questions Puzzle Links Next

THE DUTCH IN THE NEW WORLD

And though gold in the north wasn’t easy to find,

Those trading in furs didn’t pay it much mind.

With the pelts so plenty and the farm land so much

There came people from Holland, known as the Dutch.

Who sent Henry Hudson to sail the rivers and bays

Where Dutchfolk would settle and bring their Dutch ways.

Like ice-skating and bowling and the giving of gifts,

On the birthday of Nicholas – yes, that ‘Old Saint Nick.

And they titled their colony The New Netherlands,

Led by Peter Minuit, of whom it still stands:

He met with the tribes of the northeastern woods

And soon started swapping in trinkets and goods.

And he cleverly traded (though some call it a scam)

A few beads for Manhattan or their New Amsterdam.

What a bargain it was! What a deal the Dutch made

As the river called Hudson was soon teeming with trade.

The ports were abustle and the commerce was keen

As this settlement flourished like you’ve never seen.

From thirty houses or so, and a windmill or two,

This colony sprouted and just grew, grew and grew.

As they welcomed all comers, any birthplace or creed,

In a spirit of tolerance, on which most were agreed.

In town one might hear some twelve languages spoke,

-- A mite confusing, you’d think, for those affable folk.

But when you unwrap a gift or send some pins flying,

When you lace up the skates or smell doughnuts frying,

Be glad that the Dutch made their mark over here,

Making breakfast a treat and giving Christmas more cheer.