HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1983-05-11, Page 80John was looking for Broadway
By Shelley McPhee
While most Dutch people came to Canada to find bigger
and better farms, prosperous work and freedom, John
Greidanus had a slightly different vision. John was
looking for Broadway.
The ambitious 23 -year-old from Tzun, Friesland set sail
for Canada on May 16, 1950. He left the Netherlands with
two suitcases and an accordian on his back.
John, a devoted musician, had a plan. Unable to im-
migrate into the United States, he planned to get to
Canada first, then cross the border to Broadway.
John set his goals after returning from army service in
England, "After I came back from England I knew the
world was bigger than the little place where I was living."
He had been a member of the new military corps,
replacing the Dutch army that had been destroyed in
World War II. The 27 weeks of training in England en-
forced John's love of music and entertaining. He sang
with a trio of soldiers and played for the troops.
Money earned in the army went for a new accordian and
John eagerly played at festivals, anniversaries and
parties throughout Friesland.
In 1950 he left friends and family behind, and with his
accordian in hand, boarded the ocean ship at Rotterdam.
John and 1527 other people made the nine day journey to
Canada. For John it was one of the best experiences of his
life.
Turn to page 52
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