Five Brothers and a War

Postscript: Gijsbertus “Bertus” van Pelt

Bertus found Holland to be vastly changed in his absence. The neighborhood had filled in, with houses everywhere open space had been. Compared with the open jungle, this new life was difficult.

The Margrietstraat in August,1950. All of the houses on the left, across the street from the van Pelt’s home were brand new, and contributed to Bertus’ feeling of claustrophobia upon his return.

van Pelt

The Speenkruidstraat in 1950. Notice the five new houses on the left, one of which was built on the site of the van Pelt’s wartime vegetable garden. While the Tademas were still living in the house on the right, Immie was already married to Jan, and lived in the Margrietstraat family home.

Five Brothers and a War

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