After the Second World War tens of thousands of Dutchmen, mostly between the ages of 20 and 45 wanted to emigrate. They had fresh memories of the burning of Rotterdam, in May 1940, when German bombers in clear daylight dropped thousands of pounds of incendiary bombs on the unsuspecting peaceful city, ripping the centuries old heart out of it. For miles around people could see the acrid black smoke turn the sunny May day into the darkness of night. Men, women and children walked for miles with burnt clothes and skin, weeping and escaping their burning city, seeking refuge in the churches and houses of cities and towns as much as 20 miles away, with a bundle of belongings on their backs salvaged from their houses. They remembered the Battle of Arnhem; the bridges at Arnhem, Zutphen and across many of the great rivers turned into twisted heaps of steel protruding into the air out of the water. They came from the flattened farmhouses in Brabant, where tanks and guns had done their destructive work. They came from the devestated cities of Holland which had endured a “winter of hunger” of unprecedented hardship. They came, gauntt abd weary, from forced labour camps in Germany. Canada, whose soldiers had played a major role in their liberation from five years of oppression and tyranny, attracted most of these Dutch immigrants. A Dutch-Canadian love story had begun which would not end in forty years. Indeed it may last forever.
They came from nearly every province of Holland, especially from the heavily populated Catholic southern part. There families were big and farms were so small. They could no longer be split to provide a living for the sons of the farmers, who were ready to start on their own. Canada by contrast was the land noted for its unlimited opportunities and near boundless spaciousness, where big farms were available in abundance and waiting to be bought and worked by willing hands.
Canada was sparsely populated. In addition, many farmers and sons had gone to war and did not feel like returning to the farms. Thousands of others had not come back and were cared for among the endless rows of crosses of the Dutch war cemeteries. Canada, as a young country had not yet developed trade schools, and skilled tradesmen were in great demand to catch up on the backlog of work of the war years and the needs of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who bought and fixed old cars, machines, old houses and old farms. Canada wanted immigrants and the Dutch were very welcome.
Throughout Holland informative Immigration nights were held, holding out the peace, tranquillity, spaciousness and opportunities in the land where the admired liberators had come from. They drew constant large audiences of aspiring immigrants.. Many of those, born after the turn of the century,- had experienced the hardships of the First World War and endured poverty during the Depression Years. Poverty was just a way of life for everybody. It was the time of the 15 cent pack of cigarettes, the luxury of a 3 cent cigar, the 50 eggs for a guilder, the 25 guilder suit, which the lucky ones got once a year; the two dresses: one for Sunday and one for schooldays ...Thereafter they had lived through the Nazi manhunts, the confiscation of their radios, their much needed bicycles, their silver coins, their church bells, the copper and brass of their store fixtures and finally their crops, horses, pig's and cattle - their country in ruins and robbed empty. They were ready to make the biggest decision of their lives. They sold everything they had acquired by working all their lives and headed for Canada to begin anew. With empty pockets - after paying for their fares, taxes and for the shipment of their personal keepsakes - and willing hands and hearts to build a new future on the Western frontier. They went to the Canada about which they had heard good things at the "Immigration Nights" but about which they knew precious little, except from what they remembered from school and the books of Karl May, or perhaps T. Gnossen's: "Canada: Land of Freedom, Space and Opportunity". They knew it was a big country with cowboys, Indians and the Niagara Waterfalls. Some were motivated by their courageous desire to discover, others by the age-old Dutch traits of adventure, ambition and enterprise, which in earlier days had set their forebears to venture on the seas of the world and discover new lands. The majority of them did not even speak the language of their chosen country and did not realize how that would handicap them in their quest for freedom and fortune. In total, 10,000 people of Dutch descent settled in and around London, Ontario, (1961 census: London 7,045; Middlesex 10,972) an industrious and beautiful Forest City, which now boasts a population of 275,000 (1985).
The Dutch invasion of Canada started in earnest in 1948-49 and peaked in the early '50s. In those days, the new settlers were not even allowed to take whatever money they had left over from selling the assets of their life's work. The war had made Holland poor and devastated and the country had a dollar shortage. The head of a family was allowed $150, his wife $100 and for each child $50 was the limit. Not much to pay rent, buy a car (which was almost a necessity), or think about buying a house or a farm. The first years were rough. Most everyone worked at anything he could get with only a mouthful of English words (many of which were not even suitable to ask for a job). Many accepted jobs with long hours, and often took on part-time or weekend jobs after a full day's work. They pinched every penny and saved, while taking great pride in their measurable progress such as acquiring a twenty-year old car, a refrigerator, a T.V. or a set of used kitchen furniture. Later on they could even buy things they never thought possible: big appliances, a newer car, a piece of land to build on, or a down payment for a house of their own. In those days there was no time or money for extras or for recreation.
In a few years time they had acquired a foundation and some security. They started to allow themselves some relaxation and sometimes the luxury of a beer. They found other Dutch immigrants on the job and in the same boat, and would meet in a tavern. They reminisced during the beer sessions in the local pub, talked about games of soccer, pool and cards back in Holland and how they missed it all. They wanted to do something about it. In the summer of 1960, talking about soccer over a glass of beer in the pub of Hotel London, several ideas were discussed. A committee was formed to look into organizing a Dutch Canadian Club. This committee met for the first time in October, 1960 in the basement of The Royal Canadian Legion on Dundas Street East. Simon Theeboom, a great motivator and mover of the idea from day one, tells the story of the beginning of the Dutch Canadian Club on these pages. The first President elected was businessman Ad Penninx in 1960, followed by Fred Mulder in 1961, after it became apparent that Ad Penninx would have to return to Holland to take over the family business, due to an unexpected death in the family. The gregarious and far-sighted secretary, John Nabben, drafted the first Constitution and Bylaws, which were approved on February 14th, 1962. For the purposes of acquiring property and conducting financial dealings the young Dutch Canadian Society was incorporated on November 5, 1962. Little more than a year later, in February 1964, the then first and only Dutch Canadian Club-Building in Canada, built by the members with their own hand's according to an artistically pleasing and purposefully efficient design by Piet Verschoor, was opened with great satisfaction and fanfare by Mayor Gordon Stronach and the Consul General of The Netherlands, Dr. Diederik Van Hamel of Toronto.
Now 25 years later, it is appropriate to look back and value the achievement, foresight and perseverance of those pioneers, whose labour and sacrifices built our proud D.C.S. Club. The Clubhouse has been a home and a place for a good time to tens of thousands of Dutch Canadians, their guests, visitors from overseas and citizens of London and district over the past 20 years. Visitors from as far away as Holland, Belgium and California envy the London Dutch Canadian community for their fine Clubhouse, all its facilities and for the good times had there.
The Club has sprouted the famous Dykehoppers Carnaval's Society and Fanfare, a very active Ladies Division, a thriving and ever-growing Card Club, a 23-year old Bowling League, a Junior and Senior Wooden Shoe Dance Group, a Ballroom Dance School and a Chess Club. Countless members and their guests have often had enjoyment at Carnaval nights with humorous shows, Oktoberfest, Soberfest, and special events organized by the Card Club and The Dykehoppers. Top rated artists from Holland have performed in the D.C.S., such as the fabulous Jan Gorissen and his magic accordion, the angelic boy singer Sjefke, the comedian Paul Van Vliet and his one man show, the internationally acclaimed Dutch Swing College and repeat visits of De Nachtegalen (Nightingales) Choir. Open air steak barbecues, bake sales, garage sales and other events organized by the Ladies Division, performances by the Junior and Senior Wooden Shoe Dancers, Card Club tournaments and not to forget the regular Saturday night dances to live bands have given much enjoyment and variety to the members.
Folklore and Dutch cultural heritage have a protective home in the Dutch Canadian Club, with its annual Kavalkade, which attracts as many as 60,000 visitors a year, the Tulip Festival each spring, the Saint Nicholas and Christmas Parties, Dutch Oldtime Singalong nights, ethnic dances and costume shows. Dutch delicatessen such as smoked eel, herring, rolmops, Dutch pastries. Bitter-balls and croquettes, and not to forget, what Holland is famous for: Belegde Broodjes (meat on a bun), Husars Salads, sauci, sate, and Dutch pea soup are regularly available at every major event and add to the culinary enjoyment of the parties or dances, and as well serve as an introduction of Dutch delicacies to Canadian guests.
It is therefore appropriate to look back over the past 25 years of achievement with gratitude. More than anything else the Dutch Canadian Club has helped to preserve and share the Dutch culture, customs and folklore and to hand it down to the next generations with confidence and pride in the hope that they too will do likewise in the interest of the multi-cultural heritage of our chosen country - Canada.
Soccer Tied the Dutch Together
On a warm Friday night in 1960 a few Dutch immigrants, who had met in London, Ontario gathered together at the former Hotel London pub for a beer and to chat about the enjoyment of a good soccer game; how the German oldtimers had a soccer team which played at the German Canadian Club and that they should try to get a bunch of Dutch soccer players together to take on the German team. They went home, rounded up enough guys for a team, and the next Sunday they played at the Cove Road field against the German Canadian Oldtimers.
They also talked about how nice it would be to have a place of their own, a Dutch Club, where they could have a beer, play some soccer and be able to meet from time to time. They decided that they should have a meeting to explore the idea. However this was not so easy as most of them had only a small home, or were boarders, or lived in rented quarters. Never mind, they'd find a place to meet.The Royal Canadian Legion on Dundas Street East would allow them to use a basement meeting room if they could qualify for using legion-facilities by having enough fellows, who had served in the Allied Dutch Forces.
First Meeting And First Dance
A few weeks later, in October, 1960, the first meeting was held, out of which eventually the Dutch Canadian Club was born. A committee was formed right away to explore how to raise enough start-up money. They wanted to make some money by holding dances and wanted to rent a hall and hire a band. They decided that for the start they would all donate $10.00 for the expenses of the first dance. Soon after, the first dance was held at the Polish Canadian Legion Hall on Ann Street in London with Jo Koenig's Band, called "The Diamonds". That first dance was an immediate success, and all the members (between 15 and 20) were elated with the results.
A New Club is Underway
From then on a dance was held every month at the Polish Legion Hall. The people who came enjoyed a night out, after working so hard for many years, and especially the familiar European continental music, as well as the Dutch pastries, meat and croquettes. Of course there would be the ups and downs. The first setback came when President Ad Penninx had to return to Holland to take over the family business (cafe De Commanderij, in Gemert, Noord Brabant). So, after only six months, the young Dutch Club already had to have its second President. Ad Penninx and Fred Mulder shared the Presidency for the remainder of that year (1961). It was already decided to name the Club: "The Dutch Canadian Society" of London and District.
During the first three years nearly all meetings and dances were held at the Polish Hall, while committee meetings were held at the homes of committee members. On July 21,1962 a dance was held in the Slovenian Hall, where food and drinks were free, but everyone contributed one dollar for the rental of the Hall and the cost of the music. All members tried to find ways to make and save money for what they all had their mind set on: a Dutch Clubhouse of their own. By that time the Club had grown to about 30 members. Often people who were approached for membership were too tight to contribute one dollar per month or were not interested for other reasons: too busy getting established and making a living in a new land. Some were very skeptical and thought this bunch was too ambitious; that it would never be possible to build a worthwhile Clubhouse for the Dutch people of London. It was quite a struggle and a lot of hard work, but they were determined to succeed. Meanwhile a new executive committee, which later would become known as "the board" and a new President solidified the basis of the D.C.S. The small group of hard headed believers decided that they would build the first and only Dutch Clubhouse in all of Canada.
DCS Builds a Home
Before October, 1962 a $200.00 deposit was put up and an offer was made for a lot on Oxford Street and Clarke Side Road in Northeast London in the township. The members sold Christmas trees at the Club for $1.50 and $2.00 to raise the money. The liquor laws in those days were stricter than they are today and the deal fell through because of the Liquor Laws and municipal restrictions affecting that location. The first of October 1963 the present location at Gore Road and Clarke Road was found and purchased for $3,495.18, with a $400.00 deposit. The next step was to find a mortgage for the building designed by Piet Verschoor which they wanted to erect,. To get a mortgage was next to impossible. There was absolutely no collateral. But they did not give up! After several efforts and many down turns a company was found which was willing to provide a $38,000.00 mortgage provided nine members signed a personal guarantee. Several of the members who signed may not have realized that they would accept individual responsibility for the whole amount of the mortgage. What courage! What faith!
The building of the new Clubhouse was started immediately and a drive for new members was held. Mr. Nick Van Wyk, Vice Consul of the Netherlands gave considerable help to the membership drive. Also for many years he donated funds for the St. Nicholas children’s parties and for Remembrance Day Wreaths. The news of the new Dutch Club activities traveled around and now people who had shied away earlier wanted to know how they could become members. That was encouraging. By November 1964 there were 351 members.
The building of the Clubhouse was done by the members in their own free time, mostly evening hours and weekends. They worked hard and made many sacrifices to realize their ambition: their very own Dutch Canadian Society Clubhouse with a magnificent 1500 square feet sunken dance floor, a stage, a kitchen and a bar. Those who went out time after time raising money, those who worked with shovels in the wet ground and in the cold evenings, those who worked on the scaffolds with hammers and saws, those who did the roofing; those who dug the foundation and put up the blocks, laid the floors, did the painting, the decorating or the upholstering of the rich club feauteuils in orange and black leatherette, did not work for praise or glory. They remained nameless for many years, some even to this day!
As of 22 March, 1965, thirty members had worked on total of 6,439 hours, for which they received credit with a nominal value of $1.00 per hour, but for which there would be no money for many years. Three members who had the most hours worked were: Peter Verschoor - 980 hours; Jack Slijkerman - 750 hours; Gerry Mansveld -714 hours. They had only one aim. To build the finest Dutch Club in Canada. To see the building rise out of the ground was their monument; their reward. They will not be forgotten. They carved the history of the Dutch in Canada in stone. On January 30th, 1965 just seven months after the cornerstone laying on May 29th, 1964, the impressive new Dutch Canadian Club of London was officially opened by Mayor Gordon Stronach of London and Consul General of The Netherlands, Dr. Diederik and A. Van Hamel, assisting the author as the proud President at the time.
As your past President it is my pleasure to write a message for this book commemorating the 25th Anniversary of our treasured D.C.S., as we popularly call our Club.We greatly appreciate and are indebted to the courage and foresight of the small group of hardworking Dutch Canadian immigrants who enthusiastically started our organization in 1960 and officially chartered The Dutch Canadian Society by the end of 1962.
They not only put their own hard-earned money on the line to start the Club and finance the first dances but volunteered to haul supplies, obtain permits, decorate the hall, sell tickets, make sandwiches and coffee, sew costumes and countless other little things necessary to succeed. Simon Theeboom and Fred Mulder would travel to Toronto to go to LCBO hearings, taking time off from work with loss of wages. Wim Huisman would go to the houses of the 23 members all over the city to collect one dollar each month for contributions. Their reward was the satisfaction that, after a fledgling start, the young D.C.S. would blossom and grow. Their very own Dutch Club in Canada consisting of only 10 members at first would soon grow to 20 and then to 30, when they already started planning to build their very own Clubhouse. When they finally decided to build, under the leadership of Simon Theeboom, nine of the original members would individually sign for the whole mortgage. They made history through the initiative and perseverance of their small group by accomplishing in those early '60's to be the first and only Dutch association in all of Canada to own the very first Dutch Canadian club. Whoever has the good fortune of spending an enjoyable night or attending a party at our Club, always raves about the unique layout of the Clubhouse, the raised viewing for the shows, the inviting upholstered bar, the handy out-of-the-way kitchen, which does not cause any smell in the hall from the cooking and the cosy atmosphere, enhanced by the well chosen and colourful interior decoration. These compliments do not only come from local initiates to our Club, but from visiting Club-members from all over Ontario, and indeed frequently from American, Dutch and Belgian visitors. They envy us.
The spirit of the original founders has never really left the D.C.S. Subsequent members have signed for and donated thousands of dollars to support the Club in sometime difficult times, or to make substantial improvements, upstairs as well as downstairs. I salute all the members on this historic occasion of the 20th anniversary of our building and the fact that we now celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first founding of the Club on October 2nd, 1960. A special salute also to all the subsidiaries, which work so hard throughout the year, and especially at the annual KAVALKADE, when we share our Club, our culture and heritage with some 60,000 fellow Canadians of our community and beyond.
I feel privileged to have been your President during the 20th anniversary of our building and express the hope that what the members have accomplished will endure to benefit many future generations of Dutch Canadians as well as our community and country.
The Presidents are the most important officers of any organization, and they have been especially so for the Dutch Canadian Society. From the enterprising first President, Ad Penninx (1960)), to the caretaker-President, Fred Mulder (1961), who took over when Penninx unexpectedly had to return to Holland to take over the family business due to an unexpected death in his family. Fred had to nurse along the baby-club. In addition to all the other chores Club Officers fulfilled in those early days, Fred also looked after the kitchen and is still famous for the best croquettes. He also looked after the advertising, the bulletin, the printing of tickets, posters and other materials. With his wifeWilla, he took care of all of the work involved in the numerous charter flights of that time, when it seemed every Dutchman wanted to go to Holland for a visit. No Wonder! Round trip flights for Christmas 1962 were only $346.00. The summer charter flight in 1963 was as low as $275.00 return. Fred saw the welcome source of funds and he and Willa did all the work with all the net proceeds going to Fred's baby: the young D.C.S. While Fred was joint President with Ad Penninx, the first Christmas Party for the D.C.S. children was held in December 1961 at a total cost of $106.75.
Then came Simon Theeboom, who overcame all the setbacks and disappointments of refused permits, impossible financing, turned down mortgages, denied L.C.B.O. approval, in his quest of buying a lot, acquiring a mortgage, ordering plans, sketches and cost-calculations. During Simon's Presidency from 1962 until March 1969, an imposing building of blocks and brick rose out of the ground. Meanwhile the Club prospered and saw many firsts.
Gerry Smits was President from 1965 to 1967 and later became the President and driving force of the Card Club "Schoppen Negenwhich has greatly supported the Club financially with the proceeds of many original "theme" nights. One of the earliest powerhouses behind the scenes was Gerry Mansveld, one of the first directors, elected as the first Bowling Club Committee member, February 1962, and the first official order-keeper in April 1963. Gerry founded the first Dutch Canadian Carnaval Society: The Dykehoppers on April 13, 1966. It was the first Dutch Canadian Carnaval Society in all of Canada for many years. Gerry was its motivator offering many original ideas and its President for 12 years.
The Dykehoppers with their brass band, their humorous shows, their Carnaval capers, Oktoberfest, always original entertainment and in the last few years their ethnic shows and wooden shoe dancers have - over the past 19 years - done more than their share to make the D.C.S. the fun-place of renown. They have contributed considerable morale, active and financial support to the D.C.S. over all these years.
After Simon Vanden Wyngaard’s term as President from 1969 -1971, John Arts assumed the Presidency from 1971 until 1978 and thus became the longest serving President to date. While the Club was less than 10 years old (1964 -1973) it was already becoming too small. Under John's leadership the Club was enlarged substantially, with a bigger dance area, the addition of a new stage and dressing rooms, as well as new washrooms, a new kitchen and an improved front entrance. The D.C.S. became a showcase Clubhouse and is no doubt the finest ethnic clubhouse in London. It was reopened with great pride and satisfaction and full-page press coverage on April 20, 1973.
Harry Brouwer, President from 1978 -1981, with some short interruptions , deserves the credit for completing and finishing the lower level of the D.C.S. with an attractive and cosy horseshoe bar, an imposing brick fireplace, which covers a whole wall, a new kitchen, a new mini dance floor and mini stage as well as new washrooms. Finishing the downstairs had been proposed as far back as John Nabben's Annual Report of 1965, as well as again at the meeting of April 1968, but Harry saw it through and completed it in 1979. He also raised a very substantial part of the money required.
Arnold Arts, President for 1981-82-83 attracted everyone's attention at Kavalkade 1980 as the perfect host to the thousands of visitors to the D.C.S. and as a great public relations man for the Club. Arnold faced the challenge of restoring the sound financial foundation of the Club and the harmony among the members. He succeeded in both respects and in spite of a time of deep recession and great economic distress, combined with unparalleled high interest rates.
Every subsidiary is active; all members of the Club co-operate with each other for the good of the Club and young life is blossoming in the growing Young Dutch Canadian Dancers, under the enthusiastic leadership of Mrs. Nellie Mercier and Mrs. Ann Vander Moer. The Dutch Canadian Society and The Dykehoppers have been important members of the London Folk Art Council, where the Dutch take a place of honour among the more than 50 ethnic organizations that belong. The D.C.S. joined the Folk Art Council in 1969 through the mediation of Ted Smeenk, who had been a member from its beginning and was convinced the Dutch should have their rightful place among the ethnic groups of London. Dick Nienhuis was the first D.C.S. Delegate to the Folk Art Council, while Simon Theeboom acted as the first representative of The Dykehoppers. Kavalkade, sponsored citywide by the London Folk Art Council has during the last five years under Arnold's Presidency and with the hard work of Jos Devilee - the first person to be chosen Man of the Year of the D.C.S., and Gerda Brouwer opened the Club and our heritage to the community at large and made its existence and attractions better known to our fellow Canadians.
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The D.C.S. Dykehoppers are originally the First Dutch Canadian Carnaval Society in all of Canada, and were founded on April 13, 1966 with Gerry Mansveld as their first President. They are dedicated to the promotion of the happy side of the Dutch traditions and the active and financial support of the D.C.S. through the many events they organize for the Club. Their main activities evolve around the celebration of the Mardi Gras season, between November 11th of each year and Ash Wednesday, which used to signal the beginning of forty days ot Lent prior to Easter. A period of 7 weeks of sobriety, strict fasting and meatless days, as well as abstinence from all dancing, drinking and fun. Girlfriends in rural Holland would not even see their boyfriends for seven weeks except for the the 3rd Sunday of Lent for the hasty ones; the 4th Sunday for the lazy ones.
During the Carnaval season in the dull dark winter months, the special activities of the Carnaval Clubs would brighten up life for the citizens. Each month would feature a special event: The proclamation ol the new Prince, a Princely dinner party for all, a humorous show night; an Old Wives Ball, and as the climax: the giant Masquerade Ball for everybody. It would give people a chance to let their hair down, before the long season of Lent started.
Gerry Mansveld was President for 12 years, with a short interim Presidency of Harry Moonen. In 1979 - 1980 Joe Bruschetto succeeded, followed by Tony Van Esch. During Gerry's term of office great shows were produced, often more hilarious than professional comedies. The Dykehoppers took their shows all over the province, from Ottawa to Windsor and Sarnia.
The 12-piece brass Dykehoppers Fanfare Band, for many years under the direction ot Arie Van Greuningen, always created a real rousing oompah atmosphere. Under Bandmaster Henk Uitvlucht, a long playing record was produced which was easy to sell. After a takeover for some time by Nick Reyn, John Ten Kate is now the conductor of the well known Dykehoppers Band.
As an active member-organization of the London Folk Art Council, and facing a declining interest in Carnaval, while also more restricted in visiting other Clubs, due to the high cost of busing,, the Dykehoppers have, from 1980 added traditional Dutch wooden shoe dancing and ethnic costume shows to their varied program.
They have performed several times for the War Veterans and amputees of Parkwood and Westminster Hospitals, for the developmentally-challenged, the annual Clinton Klompenfest, the annual Ladies Ride ror Cancer and for senior citizens, as well as other charitable events.
They made two fabulous tours to Holland, during Carnaval 1973 and 1977, when everywhere and in every city visited, the red carpet was rolled out for: 'The Canadians! In Holland they performed also for hospital patients and for the program of the World Broadcast System of The Netherlands, as well as for the special broadcast program for all the sick and shut-ins.
Each year since 1978 they have dressed in Dutch national costumes and, on Remembrance Day, offered hundreds or bouquets of fresh flowers to the Canadian Veterans, who liberated Holland in 1944/45. This is reminiscent of the flowers showered upon the Liberators by the people of Holland at that time.
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