Pella (43 miles SE of Des Moines) was a wonderful place to visit. Little Man and I tagged along with Dad on a business trip to Vermeer's manufacturing plant. He loved the town of Pella... especially the Jaarsma Bakery. When we walked inside he bakery, the aroma was capitvating. It was founded by Harmon Jaarsma back in 1899 who used recipes he brought over as an immigrant from Holland to make "Dutch Treats." We got a dozen dutch letters to bring home.
We also had the opportunity to visit Vermeer. I was so surprised at how large it is. The best part for me was visiting the Vermeer Museum. I've always preferred the looks of a square bale. They seem.... well, perfect to me. Until I learned the history of the round baler in the museum.
Back in 1971, Mr. Vermeer had a close friend that was going to quit farming. He just could not manage to get his hay put up since it is a labor intesive process. The labor force was away fighting the war. So what did Mr. Vermeer do? He set out to find a better way for the farmers to put up their hay. His invention... the round baler!
I'm just starting to read a book we were given while at the Master Dealer's Banquet. In celebration of Vermeer Corporation's 60th anniversary, the family of Gary and Matilda Vermeer found the time was right to share the story of their parents dedication to a family, a company, and a community, as well as a faith that carried them through it all. With help from local writers and artists, hours of interviews and research as well as conversations with Gary and Matilda, friends and acquaintances, a touching story evolved. As the story of Iowa farm kids raised during the depression to the modest founders of a global company, "In Search of a Better Way The Lives and Legacies of Gary and Matilda Vermeer" captures the couple's hard work and sacrifices that will forever be the foundation of Vermeer.
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