It all started in 1996
when I visited Whidbey Island, Washington and came upon the quaint
little town of Coupeville: population 1700. Imagine stepping back
in time and wandering down old town streets of yesteryear. One of
the things I discovered was that in Oak Harbor, a city just 10 miles
north of Coupeville, there was a strong heritage from early Dutch
immigrants who had settled the area.
In that tradition amid the many shops on Front Street in Coupeville
was a tiny treasure tucked away in the back part of one of the buildings;
a store called “A Touch of Dutch”. I was immediately
enamored with its wonderful charm and the engaging personalities
of the owners: Jack and Michele Kempees. Little did I know that
five years later I would not only return to work for Jack and Michele,
but I would eventually come to own that very store.
Jack was born and raised in the Netherlands. They too had discovered
the charms of Coupeville and the familiar sounding Dutch street
names and buildings in Oak Harbor which were reminders of “the
old country.” They opened their shop where among numerous
other unique and local fare, they featured Dutch gift items and
offered Dutch foods and traditional goodies not to be found elsewhere
on the Island.
The time had come for the Kempees’ to retire and Michele to pursue
her artistic talents in watercolor painting. This opened the door for me,
my husband and daughters to step in and continue in their tradition of providing
wonderful Dutch imports and local gifts to our many loyal customers. 'A
Touch of Dutch' is celebrating over 12 years in business. A special
thanks to all of our loyal customers. We invite you to come by and
visit with us. And to all those Dutch browsers out there:
U bent van harte welkom!
Misty Blanton, Owner
A Touch of Dutch
|
