DE VOLKSVRIEND
"THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND"

    Besides all this, each week DE VOLKSVRIEND published the most important news from the Old Fatherland, so that many picked up the paper eagerly to read what catastrophes or blessings had hit The Netherlands. Because here in the Far West were Dutchmen who had given their hearts to America, but who still could not tear themselves away from friends and relatives, from a state of things and scenes, which were known on the other side of the ocean.

    Yet DE VOLKSVRIEND was zealous to make good, faithful American citizens of the immigrated fellow countrymen. Not in the way which some seem to come into practice here and there, namely by throwing away ALL Dutch characteristics, good as well as bad, and by accepting all which is called American, good or bad; no, DE VOLKSVRIEND has tried from the beginning -- under Hospers and under the succeding editors -- to make native in this country, and foremost in Sioux County, Dutch virtues, Dutch characteristics, and Dutch courage. And all which is native (indigenous) will become American.