New Holland

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New Holland was settled in 1728 by brothers John Michael and John Phillip Ranc (Ranck). Before it became known as New Holland, it had been called Hog Swamp, Earltown and New Design.

 

New Holland’s agricultural heritage is responsible for making the town’s

name known around the world for its farm equipment. Abe Zimmerman,

a 26-year-old village tradesman in 1895, opened a machine repair shop.

 Zimmerman’s New Holland Machine Shop introduced a portable feed

mill in 1899 and went on to produce other farm equipment innovations

aimed at reducing a farmer’s labor. Throughout the 20th century,

New Holland Machine Shop was purchased by several companies such

as Sperry-Rand and Ford. Today, it is known as Case-New Holland, the

second-largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment in the world with more than 10,000 dealers in 160 countries.

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New Holland also celebrates its agricultural tradition the first week of every October at the New Holland Farmers Fair. Since 1927, the town fair has featured a slice of real hometown Americana with funnel cakes, barbecue, horseshoes and other simple pleasures. There also are exhibitions of arts and crafts, fruits, vegetables, wine, photos, needlework and quilting.