14
Dini Terpstra (Kamink) remembers that the voyage was so rough that they were strapped into their bunks with nets. She remarked "My mother was so seasick, I don't think she ever recovered. Every time she saw water- like the lake, she would feel sick again."Andrea Miller (Van Vliet) speaks of a similar lasting impression made on her mother.
15
Grace Van Vliet on orangesJuly, 2005
Atlantic Ocean
16
For those that did not suffer, the food was generally remembered as plentiful and quite good. Many of the immigrants had experienced great scarcity during the war years and rationing was still in place when they left.17
Due to currency regulations passengers were not allowed to bring Dutch money on board. The letter from the Holland American line informed passengers that before departure each passenger over 10 could deposit 25 guilders for use during the voyage to purchase items such as drinks, tobacco products and chocolate at the canteen. (Children 1 – 10 years were limited to 10 guilders).18
Postcard S.S. Maasdam1954
Atlantic Ocean
19
In 1951 three of the troop carriers, the Groote Beer, the Waterdam and the Zuiderkruis were remodeled to make them more comfortable for the immigrants and two new ships the Ryndam and the Maasdam, with tourist class accommodation were added to the line.20
Bill Terpstra on deck of the MaasdamJune, 1954
Atlantic Ocean
21
Bill Terpstra traveled to Canada on the S.S. "Maasdam" in June 1954 and arrived at Halifax at Pier 21. He avoided the crowded men's cabin and spent most of his journey on deck.22
Henry Nyman on the M.V.GeorgicMay, 1951
Atlantic Ocean
23
Others booked passage on ships originating from other countries. Henry Nyman made his way to England and sailed on the M.V. Georgic of the Cunard line. He is on the left, waving and holding onto the lifeboat. Geert and Ena Bosma traveled on an Italian ship the Castel Bianco.24
John and Reta Heinen fly to Canada2 July 1952
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
25
John and Reta Heinen departing Amsterdam, July 2, 1952John Heinen had previous experience with the immigrant ships. At 20 he was drafted in the army and sailed to the Dutch colony of Indonesia on the Grote Beer. Soldiers slept in hammocks slung 4 rows high. John recalled "With everyone being seasick, you wanted the top hammock!" On the return trip, after a year and a half of service, he was picked to stay behind and swab out the ship once they docked.
From the time he returned to Holland John had plans to immigrate, but it took almost 2 years to reconcile his parents to the idea. When John and his new wife Reta immigrated to Canada in 1952, they choose to fly.
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