NassOCal.org
Title
Netherlands American Society of Southern California - NAS
Description
The aim and purpose of the Netherlands American Society (NAS) is to provide a social environment for persons of Dutch descent or persons who have an active interest in the Netherlands, in order to communicate with one another on a regular basis about their common heritage and or interest.
In the spring of 1939, during a working visit to the West Coast by the official representative of the Netherlands in the U.S., the suggestion was made that the quickly expanding City of Los Angeles with its growing Dutch community, a Dutch trade commissioner and an Honorary Consul, was in dire need of a social organization for Dutch immigrants. On November 14, 1939, the first meeting to establish the "Netherlands American Society of Southern California" was held.
On January 31, 1940, 84 members met at the Pig 'n Whistle Restaurant in Hollywood to celebrate the birthday of Crown Princess Beatrix. The tradition to celebrate the Queen's birthday as one of the highlights of the NAS calendar was thus established.
