Introduction
Founded by a Dutch-American immigrant, The Tulip Tree, USA has a rich origin story. He believes in the unparalleled determination of the American spirit of independence and adventure. When he started down the trail of creating a business model that focuses on the people, he decided to take on the calling to create great American Made gifts for all. With a wink to America’s Founding Fathers and a nod to his own heritage, the journey began.Historical Significance in Every Stitch
There was a tree that stood for hundreds of years on the grounds of St. John’s College, Maryland. In 1999, it is recorded to have stood at 96 feet tall. The tree was there even before the school was founded in 1857. We know that this tree was fully matured by July 4th, 1776. It was a pivotal center piece in the history of the world. Here, American colonists gathered under its broad, shady, tulip shaped leaves and flowers to discuss and speak about freedom, liberty, and justice. They asked themselves and each other what it meant to be truly free. They were called “The Sons of Liberty”.
How powerful of a symbol can a tree have? As we know from history, destruction of important symbols as an attempt to erase memories and beliefs is not a new issue. The tulip tree was symbolically used in the Revolutionary War as a meeting place to discuss beliefs, strategy, and pray. The trees were often sought out and destroyed by the British armies as an attempt to take these important meeting places. They could take the trees, but they could never destroy what they represented - liberty.
From the Founder, Joshua Pennekamp
“For me, the significance of the tulip tree holds deep meaning. As a small Dutch boy, being raised in the land known for our tulips, I missed their beauty, their grace, and their quiet, vibrant presence when I moved to this great continent. I felt alone, sad, and my world missed their color. Nothing felt familiar. A new language. A new culture.But, one day, everything changed. While doing a nature study for my fifth grade class, I noticed this tree, the Tulip Poplar Tree. It had leaves in the shape of tulips! I was blown away! It was a familiar shape, in an unfamiliar place. In that moment, the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 came to mind, a reminder I had a purpose greater than myself. The same God Who was sought by our Fathers to start this nation, had a will and purpose for my life. He has a calling for me. He has a calling for all. Seek Him and you will find it.
Thirteen years later, I started this business, The Tulip Tree, USA, named after the famous tulip trees. I wanted to honor God and honor the beliefs this nation was founded on. The idea that is not just for one land and one people, but for the world at large, encouraging others to the principles of freedom. Our products, imprinted with the fine gold leaf of the tulip tree, are proudly made here, in the United States of America, using the highest quality domestic and imported materials we can find.
The goal is to create products that are truly liberating. Calling this company, The Tulip Tree, USA, was the only natural choice. I started this endeavor on July 4th, 2019. This store is here to fill a need, to create legacy pieces we can all be proud to use, own, share, and pass down. With so many other choices in the world that do not align with my values, along with the values the Founding Fathers fought for, I wanted to make something that does. I made it to share with you, your family, and your friends.
