On 8 April, 1921, using a postcard from Pres des Ponts couverts in Strasbourg, Julia writes to her grandmother the Widow Elisa Maria (Verburgh) Loontjens at 19 Place du Marais in Ghent, Belgium. Julia's mother, Elisa was widowed in 1900. Elisa died in 1927. Julia writes: "Dear Grandmother. Your grandchildren are very happy and until now, they have had a nice trip. We have already driven through tunnels, but luckily, openings were provided. (?)... on both ends, as Mariette says. Receive dear Grandmother, the affectionate well intended kisses from Gaiton and from Julia." * Thank you to Sofie, who volunteered to translate this card. And thank you to Timo Van Havere, who added (in the comment below) the translation: "... luckily, openings were pierced on both ends on both ends, as Mariette says" . Yes, Timo, a very delightful way to describe a tunnel! Julia is a niece of Maria Kamiel (Loontjens) Van de Vyvere and a cousin of Jeanine.
Comments
Here is the translation:
‘My dear Jean, I don't like to bother you with material details, but it is necessary. Would you pay for me: 20 francs for the Bulletin Paroissial et Liturgique at Lophem Abbey (like every year and point out my address in Brussels, 23 rue du Parnasse, on the counterfoil )
2 °) Pay to the company of "Chaussures Satin", rue de la Station Thielt (wife of Jean Pollet jr.) the sum of 54 francs for 1 pair of tressed Stamboul shoes.
I won't ask you for anything when I get back.
I'm sending a card to your house too.
Lovingly and thank you
Luce '
Jean Pollet jr. was the son of the owner of a textile factory in Tielt. He married the daughter of a shoemaker, Marguerite Vande Cavey, who apparently run a shoe-store in Tielt.
There are other postcards that suggest that Jean Van de Vyvere worked for government.
The card refers to Jean Van de Vyvere working for the Government.
Mr. Jean Van de Vyvere
Ministry of Public Works
Leuvense Street
Brussels
My Dear Jean.
I do not want to make you impatient with material details, but it has to. Can you send me 20 franks for Brother P.L. in the Lophem abbey (as every year and ____?_____ Brussels, 23 ___?___ street)
2) Transfer to the Company Shoes Satin in the Stationstreet of Thielt (__?__ the___?____ Jean Pollet) the amount of 54 franks for a pair of woven Stamboul shoes.
I will not ask you anything when returning.
I also sent a card at yours.
Affectionate and thanks.
Luce
Comments:
The address on this card refers to: 'Bruggen en Wegen' (Dutch), 'Bridges and Roads'
This could be the place where Jean Van de Vyvere worked…City Hall, Technical department?…was he an Engineer?
Mr. J. Van de Vyvere
Bridges and Roads
3 Rue la Frise
Ghent
(“kloekke" is dialect for “strong”)
My strong Jan,
I send him a good handshake.
Julien
Paris 10/10/19