The first is dated August 13, 1952 (they came over on the boat in June of 1952). According to the envelope, it is from a J. H. Haan of Brunssummerweg N.30, Nieuneendagen bij (Heerlen). The postage cancellation stamp on the back of the envelope is dated Sep. 23, 2pm, 1952, Vancouver, BC Canada. It was addressed to Heer Houben, 1555 Robson Street, Vancouver BC Canada, but the 1555 Robson Street is crossed off in pencil, with c/o Fred Deely, Bicycle Dept. written next to the original address.
The letter itself is in Dutch and therefore rather tricky to read, but the gist is that the writer is hoping come out for a visit. (If I'm wrong please correct me... my Dutch isn't the best.)
The other letter is dated November 20, 1952 and was mailed from Brazil (note postage stamp on back of envelope, and one of the cancellations also mentions Brazil. It was addressed to Mr & Mrs Ant. Houben, 2085 W 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC Canada.
The letter is from a Padre Jaime, or Father Jaime... possibly the priest who married them?? Not entirely sure though, that is just a guess. The letter, as was the previous one, is in Dutch.
So neat, Margaret!
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I don't know if you'll see this comment...but I'm re-reading your blog, and you just supplied the clue I needed for the address of the first house your parents lived in. But the envelope states: 2086 West 7th Ave, not 2085 West 8th. The house was at the corner of 7th and Arbutus. I got a picture of it in 2001.
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