| Hello
van Canada,
My name is Cornelis Rudolf van
Santen (Rudie). I was born in Nijmegen in 1942 and for the first 3-4 years
lived on board a sleeboat with my parent and one jonger brother. My dad was an
Schipper, he came from Lith aan the Maas, our mother was born in Venlo.
When we moved on land, my dad worked for 3-4 years in the Dubbellman zeep
factorie by the train bridge on the Graavseweg. I remember living on the Munt
weg in Nood woningen, then we moved to Bosbes straat 33 with my parents 2
brothers and one sister. We were the first new people to move in the new
housing. Across the street was a large open field all the way to the Molen weg
and their was also an coal supplier who had fruit trees and a bunker in his
fenced yard. I remember going to school for 2 years on the Koninginenlaan were
now their is a new road and a tunnel going to the train station. Then i went
to a new school on the bottem of the Wolfkuilse weg Mr.Hammers was the head
master. Had 2 vriends named Martin Klaassen and Pierre Kilkens. Went swimming
on the Goffert the new swimming pools at that time,
Went for 2 years to school in Amsterdam Zeevaart school the Koningin
Wilhelmine when I went their I remember we went to a event because we had
uniforms. next to me standing was Prince Bernard that was I think in 1956.
We came to Canada in June 1957 to Prescott Ontario lived their for 2 years
moved to Brockville Ontario been here eversince, got married and have 3
children.
Only been back 3 times I always visit Nijmegen and the Waal it has changed so
much and got lost.
All I remember is going to church on the Graavse weg close to the molen we
went swimming in the Waal by Weurt I think they called it the Grind Gat.
All I know I am still a Nijmegenaar in my heart and I miss it.
Yours Rudie van Santen
|
