Clinton News-Record, 1984-05-09, Page 43Page 18
Dr. Hans Heeneman
Netherlands Vice Consul will attend Feest
Dr. Hans Heeneman, Vice Consul of
The Netherlands was a distinguished
guest off honor at Klompen Feest 1981
and will be returning to Clinton this
year toparticipate in the opening
ceremonies.
At the first feest, Dr. Heeneman gave
people a little more understanding and
insight into The Netherlands and the
people of that nation in a special
speech.
"I consider it to be a great honour to
have been asked by your organizing
committee to say a few words to all of
you on the occasion of the opening of
this Klompen Feest. I am also pleased
that the emphasis of this festivity is laid
on a bit of Dutch folklore, which has
become, judging by the number of ac-
tivities with a Dutch overtone in
southwestern Ontario, aignificant
-part of the rich -Canadian multicultural
scene.
"Approximately 20 per cent of the
population of Huron County is Dutch or
is from Dutch descent and many came
over in the period between the late
1940's and middle 1980's, thus breaking
the ties with their homeland to settle in
this part of the world and start a new
life. Most of the Dutch have adapted
very well to the new environment and
have become successful farmers, mer-
chants and tradesmen.
"The Dutch, not only in Canada but
also elsewhere in the world are
recognizable not because they wear
wooden shoes, but because they display
a thrifty and industrious lifestyle and
are dedicated to their families and their
work. They, I believe, form a driving
force that helps in keeping this young
country of ours going.
"The Dutch are often typified as peo-
ple that wear wooden shoes or skates
and traditional costumes, while they
are _carrying .a bouquet of tulips -in their
hands. Nothing of course is further
from the truth. After all, not all Cana-
dians are dressed up as Mounties.
"In Holland these days, people dress-
ed in local costumes weat'ing
"klompen" are hard to come by which
in fact is quite different from the situa-
tion as it was 20 years or longer ago.
"I myself am not much for wooden
shoes. Has anyone of you ever worn
them for an extended peeriod of time. .
They are hard on your feet and it takes
time for calluses to form to make the
wearing of this kind of footwear com-
fortable to any degree..
"I think it is wonderful that you, fun
loving Iluronians wanted to have a
festivity of this kind anyway, and by
giving it a folklore theme, you have ad-
ded a little touch of class to an already
great undertaking.. Looking over the
program that is being offered to all of
you during these two days, one has to
assume that a tremendous amount of
work has gone into its Organization.
Therefore, Ti cannot let this occasion go
by'without commending the organizing
committee and all the participants in
the program for a job well done."
Leather &Wool
The Old Mill is just 1.6 Km. south of Blyth on Hwy. 4
(12 Km. north of Clinton). In the heart of beautiful
Huron County, The Old Mill is the original factory
outlet for Leathers and Woollens. Outstanding
features include: Coats: Leather, suede, sheepskin,
fur, mohair and wool; Sheepskin rugs, all sizes;
car seats (our specialty); wool blankets, sweaters
and skirts; mohair throws and stoles; leather gloves
and handbags. There's much, much more — why not
make a call at The Old Mill part of your
Klompen Feest visit.
The one and only! The Old Mill!
jilderlth
(ainu1n
10 l mdun
OUR ONLY LOCATION
-0117
SINCE 1843
The Old Mill is open daily... all
year round, including Sundays.
(519) 523-459.5
i
The
just south of Blyth
Id 9Rlill
In the country
Canada's first and foremost
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LEATHER, SHEEPSKIN, WOOL & FUR