Our Story
For seven decades, Acton’s Holland Shop has welcomed the community through the doors of its modest storefront at 71 Mill Street, keeping Dutch traditions and values alive.
This fall, the family-run shop—now in its third generation of ownership—will celebrate its 70th anniversary with gratitude for its loyal customers and community support.
Current proprietor Carolin Tolkamp says she feels “a lot of gratitude” toward her customers and neighbours. “But I wouldn’t be here had it not been for my grandparents, who immigrated here after the Second World War,” she adds.
The cozy aisles lined with Delft blue plates, European snacks, cheeses, deli meats, and giftware create an atmosphere that blends nostalgia, culture, and warmth. “People enjoy coming here and they say, ‘It’s like my grandmother’s house.’ It feels like they’re coming to a familiar place,” Tolkamp explains.
The story began when her grandfather, Engel Huisman, immigrated to Canada after the war. Sponsored by a local farmer, Huisman quickly realized that many fellow Dutch expatriates longed for the comforts of home. Borrowing a bicycle, he began delivering Dutch foods door-to-door. By October 1955, his vision grew into the Holland Shop at its present location.
Huisman became known not only for his store but also for his role in the community—sponsoring sports teams, supporting festivals, and building lasting relationships with his customers. “They loved my grandfather,” Tolkamp recalls. “I still have people come in and say, ‘I remember your grandfather.’ He never really retired—he worked here until the day he passed.”
After his death in 1983, Carolin’s parents took over, and by 1990 Carolin herself stepped in to carry on the family legacy.
Today, with the help of dedicated employees and trusted suppliers, she continues to serve Acton and beyond. Suppliers of meats, cheeses, imported foods, and gifts—such as Global Reach Confections—remain an important part of the shop’s success.
“I truly appreciate the support from our suppliers and especially from our customers,” says Tolkamp. “It’s the community that has kept us going for 70 years.”
To mark this milestone, the Holland Shop will host a 70th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The event will feature coffee, cake, door prizes, and in-store specials.
