In 1951, Johan Bosman and Riek Kraaijenbrink briefly returned from Canada to their native region for the church blessing of their marriage in the Oosterkerk in Aalten.
We are sitting across from Johan Bosman from Barlo, a rural district in the municipality of Aalten. He has been away for over 2½ years as an emigrant in Canada; he is back in his native region for a short time. One can see that he has been abroad. It is noticeable in the generous cut of his clothing; it is also evident in the look in his eyes, which are clearly accustomed to larger proportions…
Characteristic in this regard is what he tells us about his arrival in Aalten by bus a few weeks ago: “Everything seemed incredibly small; the roads were so narrow and winding… I honestly thought the houses had all been pushed together…”
Today Johan Bosman is the groom! And Riek Kraayenbrink from Varsseveld, the girl he had already met before his departure for Canada, is the bride. Both had emigrated to Canada a few years ago—separately. They have returned together to have their marriage blessed in church here, in their native country.
Land hunger
There is a hunger for land in Aalten and the surrounding rural districts. For many farmers’ sons, there is no more land available, and therefore no means of subsistence. Consequently, many men and young families from Aalten and the surrounding area have already emigrated. And even now, many are ready to depart later this spring.
Johan Bosman left in April 1948, alone. Saying goodbye to home, and to his girl, had been difficult for him. But the prospect that Riek and her parents would also follow soon gave him courage. Johan worked alternately, on a freelance basis, sometimes on the land, sometimes in the factory. “You change jobs or professions quite easily there,” says Bosman. “Here, you don’t do that so quickly.”
In the meantime, Riek had crossed over to Canada in 1949 with her parents and six brothers. As soon as possible, the young lovers made an appointment to meet. But that is simply not so easy in a strange and large country. Love, however, makes one determined. Chatham, in Southern Ontario, was the meeting place. He traveled there from Montreal by train; she hitchhiked by car!
The girl found a position in Chatham, where she immediately had the opportunity to learn the English language. Johan went to work “nearby.” They celebrated their engagement within Riek’s family circle.
Marrying in Aalten!
Their plan was to marry in the autumn of 1951. But in Aalten! Because they wanted to experience this great event in the familiar surroundings of their native region, amidst Johan’s family and mutual friends. Moreover, they felt this was still the best time for a visit to the Netherlands. Would it still be possible in a few years, when they might have more worries?
Johan requested his parents to arrange the necessary formalities for their marriage in Aalten. However, he received word back that a civil marriage ceremony was no longer possible for him in the Netherlands as a non-resident. The young couple then decided to have at least the church wedding take place in Aalten.
On October 27 last, they were married by law in Chatham. After that, they traveled to the Netherlands as soon as possible, where they arrived on November 22.
And on a stormy, dark autumn afternoon in December, the couple received the church blessing of their marriage in the Oosterkerk in Aalten. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,” was the text that Rev. A.A. Oostenbrink, Reformed minister in Varsseveld, had chosen for his wedding sermon.
What must have gone through these young people’s minds during this solemn hour! Did the bride not think of her mother, who sympathized with her from afar, and of her father who was no longer able to experience this day? And will the groom, looking around the church, not have realized for a moment that this day, and this short stay in the Netherlands, signifies a final reunion with many who are sitting here around him?…
Back!
Yes, because they are going back! They enjoyed seeing parents and friends again; but staying here, no, that was no longer possible. The bride likes managing the household in Canada very much. “It’s all done more with electricity there,” she says. “Everything is arranged much more practically.”
To our question of whether the couple is already provided with a house in Canada, the groom answers: “We don’t have a house yet. If I can find a suitable farmer who has work for me, then we will find shelter on the farm. If I can find a good job at the factory, then we will rent a few rooms in the city. For newlyweds, there are still possibilities in Canada in this regard. But one day I hope to be able to buy a farm myself, because that is ultimately why I emigrated.”
These words characterize the man who speaks them. They characterize the man Johan Bosman, who is cut from the tough wood of emigration. They also characterize the situation in a country where there are opportunities, where there is still a future for young people…
Do you have interesting stories about family members who emigrated from Aalten to Canada? Send us a message!
