Faithful and Grateful - 9 -
Bremerhaven
September, 1952
An Emigrant's Story:
Gateway to the North American Continent
Where it started...
The City of Bremerhaven is located in a beautiful setting between the mouths of the Weser and the city center. As one of the largest seaports of Europe, it Hosts the largest fishing port on the European continent and the world longest riverside quay, the biggest container loading bridge and Europe`s biggest car Train shipment center. There is a lot to see and to do in Bremerhaven.
A slogan at the entrance an emigration building says it all: "Over 13 million people departed here to an unknown world. Well, maybe not completely unknown, at least probable those among the 13 Million who departed in the 20th century had some inkling of where they were heading. Many of the emigrants were Germans, motivated by poverty, ambition, adventure, family quarrels, especially after Nazis came to power in 1933. Many Millions more from Russia, Poland and from the Baltic States emigrated to the Unknown. Bremerhaven came into existence as
September, 1952
An Emigrant's Story:
Gateway to the North American Continent
Where it started...
The City of Bremerhaven is located in a beautiful setting between the mouths of the Weser and the city center. As one of the largest seaports of Europe, it Hosts the largest fishing port on the European continent and the world longest riverside quay, the biggest container loading bridge and Europe`s biggest car Train shipment center. There is a lot to see and to do in Bremerhaven.
A slogan at the entrance an emigration building says it all: "Over 13 million people departed here to an unknown world. Well, maybe not completely unknown, at least probable those among the 13 Million who departed in the 20th century had some inkling of where they were heading. Many of the emigrants were Germans, motivated by poverty, ambition, adventure, family quarrels, especially after Nazis came to power in 1933. Many Millions more from Russia, Poland and from the Baltic States emigrated to the Unknown. Bremerhaven came into existence as
IMAGINATION IS THE ONLY KEY TO THE FUTURE
WITHOUT IT, NOTHING EXISTS...
WITH IT, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
WITHOUT IT, NOTHING EXISTS...
WITH IT, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
Gateway to the North American Continent
Docks for Arriving and Departing Ships
a major port to satisfy to emigration demand, over complains of Hamburg the other giant and was founded in 1827 as a relief port for Bremen, 35 Miles at the river Weser.
I arrived at the port a day before scheduled departure. Many forms to fill out. Countless smaller tasks to perform and some minor jobs to complete, their nature I do not remember. When I arrived at the port memories awakened from the past. Soon after the war, I was at the port many times to gather some fish for the hungry the people at home. The Nazi propaganda warned us many times to fight to the end, which would be a honorable dead better as dying from hunger. Some of my friends had very old cars, which worked a little while, eventual gave up. At about the same time the Railroad opened a line throughout Germany, with only one destination: Bremerhaven There was visible happiness a smile when people experienced they didn't have for a long time: Food.
At time of our departure, all of us who planned to embark on the S.S.M Berlin met at the swinging stairway. It was dark, cold, and windy. We were welcomed at the ship and the steward guided us to our individual cabins. What a moment, leaving home and country for the first time. Will it be forever? What will happen? What should I not do? However, I did, cried, Yes I cried!
Want to leave all the negatives behind. Utilize positives only in my thought and dreams and be grateful always. Lay down in cabin at once. I knew what was coming. When I was a young boy, my parents told me, that I would have many problems throughout my whole life with car and sea sicknesses. I was not the only one effected, many more passengers battled this ailment.
I arrived at the port a day before scheduled departure. Many forms to fill out. Countless smaller tasks to perform and some minor jobs to complete, their nature I do not remember. When I arrived at the port memories awakened from the past. Soon after the war, I was at the port many times to gather some fish for the hungry the people at home. The Nazi propaganda warned us many times to fight to the end, which would be a honorable dead better as dying from hunger. Some of my friends had very old cars, which worked a little while, eventual gave up. At about the same time the Railroad opened a line throughout Germany, with only one destination: Bremerhaven There was visible happiness a smile when people experienced they didn't have for a long time: Food.
At time of our departure, all of us who planned to embark on the S.S.M Berlin met at the swinging stairway. It was dark, cold, and windy. We were welcomed at the ship and the steward guided us to our individual cabins. What a moment, leaving home and country for the first time. Will it be forever? What will happen? What should I not do? However, I did, cried, Yes I cried!
Want to leave all the negatives behind. Utilize positives only in my thought and dreams and be grateful always. Lay down in cabin at once. I knew what was coming. When I was a young boy, my parents told me, that I would have many problems throughout my whole life with car and sea sicknesses. I was not the only one effected, many more passengers battled this ailment.
Crawling not walking on deck and showed many more of my travel companion. It did not act much different. While I was standing, more leaning, on the railing and pondering the experience of the desire was to concentrate in the future on positives only. Easy said, "But most likely hard to do. I will give it all and keep giving it will be much more than a try. "There is a little problem. to express my feeling in a text is very hard. My heart is full of all angelic thoughts but my hands are not cooperating. Searching for a right poem to express all my thoughts was long but successful. A Lady of Italian decent discovered my thinking on the issue a long time ago.
The S.S.M. was much smaller, but looked similar Steaming towards Halifax full power ahead
HER THOUGHTS ARE MY THOUGHTS
ANTICIPATION
Everything holding its own anticipation,
Turning negative into positive without reservation
All of it is intense
Viewing ahead the possibilities of what might be
What do you want to be?
Only experience will answer questions,
Entertain those thoughts reevaluation.
Life is to important to wonder and never know,
The doors of choice are open.
Have you opened any lately?
Have you taken what is what you want?
Every moment holds anticipation.
Your life is a translation of your dedication!
What is your anticipation?
REALITY IS MY ANTICIPATION
By: Ariana Turano
ANTICIPATION
Everything holding its own anticipation,
Turning negative into positive without reservation
All of it is intense
Viewing ahead the possibilities of what might be
What do you want to be?
Only experience will answer questions,
Entertain those thoughts reevaluation.
Life is to important to wonder and never know,
The doors of choice are open.
Have you opened any lately?
Have you taken what is what you want?
Every moment holds anticipation.
Your life is a translation of your dedication!
What is your anticipation?
REALITY IS MY ANTICIPATION
By: Ariana Turano
The Map makes it easier for "you" to follow my trail.
It starts in Halifax, Nova Scotia
It starts in Halifax, Nova Scotia
The closer we got to the City of Halifax, the faster the sickness of mine disappeared. The Port city of Halifax, Canada sighted early in the morning on Mid.September 1952!
Be Hospital, Canada
Thank you.
The only difference between the departure in Bremerhaven and the arrival in Halifax was not great. In Bremerhaven we went "up" the swinging ladder where in Halifax it went "down". The formalities were more sever in regard to destination and many personal matters: Work & Housing. Work is promised to me. It was to good to be true! The temperature was 40 Deg F. We were wished well to a happy and satisfactory future. Where do I go now? The next thing on the agenda was of major significance, finding the next railroad connection to QUEBEC!
Thank you.
The only difference between the departure in Bremerhaven and the arrival in Halifax was not great. In Bremerhaven we went "up" the swinging ladder where in Halifax it went "down". The formalities were more sever in regard to destination and many personal matters: Work & Housing. Work is promised to me. It was to good to be true! The temperature was 40 Deg F. We were wished well to a happy and satisfactory future. Where do I go now? The next thing on the agenda was of major significance, finding the next railroad connection to QUEBEC!
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA CANADA
Halifax, Nova Scotia is one of the oldest cities in Canada boasting over 250 years of history. The earliest settler of the city now known as Halifax were the Micmac Indians an Indigenous people who kept close to the shoreline of the natural harbor for hunting and fishing Trading was an important aspect of the Micmac` day to life, and the natural harbor promoted their existence and allowed them to flourish.
In 1749 the conflict between Britain and France, regarding rightful ownership of the city reached a breaking point. Edward Cornwallis was send by his employer George Dunk Lord of Halifax, England to stake a claim for the British. Upon his arrival, Edward Cornwallis realized the huge potential the city had as trading port, and given its hill structure how beneficial it would be to see the enemy coming. Edward Cornwallis staked his claim on Citadel Hill, naming the city for his employer Halifax.
Settling of Halifax was not an easy task for the British. The Micmac Indians detected their presence and the change the British settlement brought to their way of life. The seven years war with France 1756-1763 led to great develop of ships along the Halifax waterfront; and the area of Citadel Hill developed as a huge stone fort, where the enemy could be seen coming into the Harbor. This constant development led to the Indians being forced out of the city, their way of life gradually changing. By the 1800`s Halifax was a well established City known for boat building and fur traders.
In 1912, the sinking of the Titanic led three Halifax Boats to go and rescue the bodies. over 300 bodies were recovered by Halifax boats resulting in 119 bodies being buried at sea,59 bodies being sent home to relatives, and 150 bodies being buried in a Halifax Cemetery Further fame came to Halifax in 1917 with the occurrence of the Halifax Explosion, The largest man made explosion ever seen, and second only to Hiroshima. On December 6 1917, Ino a Belgian relief ship hit the Mount Blanc Munitions. This collision led the cargo of Benzyl on the Mont Blanc to explode. Over 1900 people killed and most, Halifax's North End community was completely destroyed.
In 1749 the conflict between Britain and France, regarding rightful ownership of the city reached a breaking point. Edward Cornwallis was send by his employer George Dunk Lord of Halifax, England to stake a claim for the British. Upon his arrival, Edward Cornwallis realized the huge potential the city had as trading port, and given its hill structure how beneficial it would be to see the enemy coming. Edward Cornwallis staked his claim on Citadel Hill, naming the city for his employer Halifax.
Settling of Halifax was not an easy task for the British. The Micmac Indians detected their presence and the change the British settlement brought to their way of life. The seven years war with France 1756-1763 led to great develop of ships along the Halifax waterfront; and the area of Citadel Hill developed as a huge stone fort, where the enemy could be seen coming into the Harbor. This constant development led to the Indians being forced out of the city, their way of life gradually changing. By the 1800`s Halifax was a well established City known for boat building and fur traders.
In 1912, the sinking of the Titanic led three Halifax Boats to go and rescue the bodies. over 300 bodies were recovered by Halifax boats resulting in 119 bodies being buried at sea,59 bodies being sent home to relatives, and 150 bodies being buried in a Halifax Cemetery Further fame came to Halifax in 1917 with the occurrence of the Halifax Explosion, The largest man made explosion ever seen, and second only to Hiroshima. On December 6 1917, Ino a Belgian relief ship hit the Mount Blanc Munitions. This collision led the cargo of Benzyl on the Mont Blanc to explode. Over 1900 people killed and most, Halifax's North End community was completely destroyed.
TORONTO, MONTREAL HERE I COME!
HEAD HIGH AND BEING PROUD, ARE YOU READY?
DO NOT ASK WHY
ON THE OTHER HAND, MAY
HEAD HIGH AND BEING PROUD, ARE YOU READY?
DO NOT ASK WHY
ON THE OTHER HAND, MAY
All the formalities completed, wished well by the Canadian Authorities, kindness exchanged from both sites, we were on our own for the first time. It was hard to understand .On the other hand it was good feel, all trains going out of this Station were scheduled for all people, not for us only. Somewhat hard to get used to after all last weeks is mothering, which as nice but not a part of normal lives. The distance from Halifax to Toronto was between 850 and 900 Miles. Most of the geography was from hilly to mounteness.The Canadian Pacific Railroad mostly powered by Steam, some by Diesel engines. It was dark when we finally started rolling toward our If all would go well we should have been in Quebec at about early morning. Like so many times every- We did not see much, we felt that the locomotive wasn`t strong enough to climb the ascending hills. On some location, we went more than once up and down. It happened so often and it finally felt like routine. Nobody in our wagon had such an experience before .We all were immigrants. I could not wait to get to Toronto a person who was knew me supposed to met there to discuss a very important issue. I had bad feeling, but did not wanted to dwell on it and think positive. Rolling along that what normally it should have been, it was more a crawling. The Saint Lawrence River would have been in our view sometimes on our way to Quebec, but we traveled in the dark. It took us approximate twice the time 7 to 8 Hrs to travel from Halifax to Quebec. For 25s Miles .When we arrived in Quebec at midmorning we took advantages of restrooms with shower facilities and eating places. It was announced not to leave the train departure for a longer period. After arrival, the train scheduled to assist customer and proceed towards Montreal. We had no opportunity to get the closer into Quebec. The train
left later in the afternoon and we had a big chance to see a big portion of the beautiful Saint Lawrence River valley.
The whole stretch from Quebec to Montreal was much more expedient along the river valley embankments. Comparing it to our recent adventure driving thru the Nova Scotia Mountains (Ha-ha.), it felt like being in a luxurious vs. Volkswagen vehicle. Quebec city is located in the province of Quebec which is one of Canada`s biggest. Quebec and Montreal are of French nature and history. The population of Quebec, Province is very proud of their history and shows it too. Our train was rolling along in very decent speed. Ata cloudy mid morning a cloud Montreal was in our site. An I was very happy to be a little closer to my temporary destination, Toronto, Ontario.Visiting Montreal, a more continental type city and very appealing, was a must. Most of the people residing in the Province of Quebec speak French, which was not my normal language. During the last few of journey a desire came over me to visit my best Friend, which I somewhat ignored, recently. It was not hard to find one of His houses. In the center of Montreal rose up a big Cathedral crowned with life size statues of the 12 Apostles. I visited with Him awhile and had an excellent conversation. Thanked Him for is love, protection and guidance and returned to the waiting train station. The last section for the present portion of the journey was near.
Toronto seeing for the first time presented itself as a City of European style. Many skyscrapers and all the trimmings of a lively city. Toronto is located in the province of Ontario. The most inhabitated city in Ontario. Located on the Lake Ontario, which is one of the five biggest inland lakes of the world. Very much used for oversee trade. Another asset for vacationers are the majestic Niagara Fall and very fast and easy to get to. This was another but fast rundown on a city called, Toronto.
I had addresses for a Caritas Settlement and a Scottish Mission. Both close to the railroad station. The train arrived very early, so I took some time around. Looked up in the air and before you knew it I was laying in 3 to 4 feet deep utility trench. I wanted only to admire the skyscrapers. It was not funny but I did not despair, cleaned myself, but otherwise in acceptable shape moved on to visit the two places I mentioned earlier. At Caritas Settlement, the person from Sayn was waiting to meet me. After the usual introductions to the Caritas, people and we went to a separate room to discuss our unfinished business, which we agreed to in Sayn, months ago. He promised to have a job on a farm when I arrive. I had premonition for along time and pre-pared for this situation. A few das later, I met very nice men, which was a Manager at a horse Ranch 100 miles north of Toronto. He invited me to accompany him to this place and stay there to have the beginning I so desperately needed. Alone in my temporary room, went to my knees and thanked my Friend. I Knew He never would leave me. Maybe for some of you wonder who this Friend is. I'm very proud to tell my Creator.
The Journey will continue soon, Stay healthy and happy, and enjoy your presents.
left later in the afternoon and we had a big chance to see a big portion of the beautiful Saint Lawrence River valley.
The whole stretch from Quebec to Montreal was much more expedient along the river valley embankments. Comparing it to our recent adventure driving thru the Nova Scotia Mountains (Ha-ha.), it felt like being in a luxurious vs. Volkswagen vehicle. Quebec city is located in the province of Quebec which is one of Canada`s biggest. Quebec and Montreal are of French nature and history. The population of Quebec, Province is very proud of their history and shows it too. Our train was rolling along in very decent speed. Ata cloudy mid morning a cloud Montreal was in our site. An I was very happy to be a little closer to my temporary destination, Toronto, Ontario.Visiting Montreal, a more continental type city and very appealing, was a must. Most of the people residing in the Province of Quebec speak French, which was not my normal language. During the last few of journey a desire came over me to visit my best Friend, which I somewhat ignored, recently. It was not hard to find one of His houses. In the center of Montreal rose up a big Cathedral crowned with life size statues of the 12 Apostles. I visited with Him awhile and had an excellent conversation. Thanked Him for is love, protection and guidance and returned to the waiting train station. The last section for the present portion of the journey was near.
Toronto seeing for the first time presented itself as a City of European style. Many skyscrapers and all the trimmings of a lively city. Toronto is located in the province of Ontario. The most inhabitated city in Ontario. Located on the Lake Ontario, which is one of the five biggest inland lakes of the world. Very much used for oversee trade. Another asset for vacationers are the majestic Niagara Fall and very fast and easy to get to. This was another but fast rundown on a city called, Toronto.
I had addresses for a Caritas Settlement and a Scottish Mission. Both close to the railroad station. The train arrived very early, so I took some time around. Looked up in the air and before you knew it I was laying in 3 to 4 feet deep utility trench. I wanted only to admire the skyscrapers. It was not funny but I did not despair, cleaned myself, but otherwise in acceptable shape moved on to visit the two places I mentioned earlier. At Caritas Settlement, the person from Sayn was waiting to meet me. After the usual introductions to the Caritas, people and we went to a separate room to discuss our unfinished business, which we agreed to in Sayn, months ago. He promised to have a job on a farm when I arrive. I had premonition for along time and pre-pared for this situation. A few das later, I met very nice men, which was a Manager at a horse Ranch 100 miles north of Toronto. He invited me to accompany him to this place and stay there to have the beginning I so desperately needed. Alone in my temporary room, went to my knees and thanked my Friend. I Knew He never would leave me. Maybe for some of you wonder who this Friend is. I'm very proud to tell my Creator.
The Journey will continue soon, Stay healthy and happy, and enjoy your presents.
A FUTURE IS HAPPY AND INVITING. THE BEST CAN DO IS ABIDING.
Alfredo D` Eljama
