14

This 5 page letter sent to passengers sailing on the M.S. Tabinta in April 1948 provided detailed instructions about boarding procedures and baggage.

15

Every passenger over 10 years of age could bring 100 kg of baggage with them and children were allowed 50 kg. There was a charge for overweight baggage (40 guilders for every 100 kg). In addition, every family was allowed a crate weighing up to 2500 kg and 15 m3. They were to arrange for a customs officer to inspect their large baggage at their place of residence and then have it shipped to the Holland American Line Baggage Department in Rotterdam at least 2 days before their scheduled departure (and preferably only a day or 2 earlier). They were advised to arrive in Rotterdam the day before or as early as possible on the day of departure, bringing their hand luggage with them.

16

Huizenga Family
1946
Birdaard, Netherlands

17

Many sat for a formal family portrait before they left Holland, to record the momentous event and to provide the relatives and friends they were leaving behind with an image to remember them by. A round of visits made the final days in Holland emotional. At the time they thought they would never see each other again.

18

Kamink Family Portrait
1955
The Netherlands

19

Kamink Familky departs for Canada
14 April 1955
the Netherlands

20

The final instructions from the Holland American line were:
"To prevent unnecessary crowding in Rotterdam it is recommended that passengers say goodbye to their friends and family at home. Under no circumstances are visitors allowed during boarding hours in the office or loading area of the Holland American Lines."

21

Willem Terpstra departs for Canada
June, 1954
Birdaard, Netherlands

22

Most of the immigrants have returned to visit Holland several times, but for most this was only possible after many years, once they had raised families and air travel became commonplace and affordable.

23

A.Kaiser letter to DeVries family p1
9 January 1948
Cressy, Prince Edward County, Ontario

24

Most immigrants knew who their sponsor was and where they were going, before they left home. In some cases they even received an introductory letter from their sponsor.

25

A Kaiser letter to deVries p 2
9 January 1948
Cressy, Prince Edward County, Ontario

26

A Kaiser letter to deVries p 2
9 January 1948
Cressy, Prince Edward County, Ontario

27

Dutch Employees additions to Kaiser letter
9 January 1948
Cressy, Ontario