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Tabinta
May, 1948
Rotterdam, the Netherlands

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Most immigrants from the Netherlands travelled to Canada on the Holland American line. The ships were not luxurious, being converted freighters and troop carriers.

The Tabinta was a freighter. It carried thousands of immigrants to Canada, beginning in September 1947.

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Annie Thissen: No Honeymoon
2005

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Families were separated, with men and older boys sleeping in a large hold with bunk beds stacked 4 tiers high. The women and children were provided with smaller, but equally crowded rooms. Large washrooms with multiple toilets and sinks lacked privacy.

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Wynand Van Soelen on Accomodation
2005
The Vollendam

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Letter: Holland American Line
April, 1948
Rotterdam, Netherlands

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This letter from the Holland American Line provided detailed instructions about the baggage required for the voyage.

Due to the crowded conditions in the "sleeping parlours," each passenger was allowed only 1 small handbag in the room. Bedding and towels were provided during the voyage, so passengers did not require them in their hand luggage. Additional items that they would need on the trip were to be packed in a suitcase marked "travel baggage." This would be stored in a baggage room and passengers would have access to it at specific hours, once a day.

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Dini Kamink's suitcase
1955
The Netherlands

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This small wicker suitcase was used by Dini Terpstra (Kamink) for her clothing and personal items that she kept with her in her sleeping compartment. She turned 14 on board the Groote Beer on her way to Canada.

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Bakker family Meal cards
1949
The Netherlands

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Meal cards Tabinta,
1949
The Netherlands

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Food was served cafeteria style and passengers were issued with meal cards that were punched each time they ate.

The Bakkers fared better than many, taking all their meals every day except the fifth. Many were sea sick and claimed that they hardly ate anything on the 10 day voyage.

Wynand Van Soelen spent much of the crossing in the ship's hospital with scarlet fever.

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Andrea Miller on Mother's seasickness
24 August 2006
Prince Edward County, Ontario

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Dini Terpstra (Kamink) remembers that the voyage was so rough that they were strapped into their bunks with nets. She remarked "My mother was so seasick, I don't think she ever recovered. Every time she saw water- like the lake, she would feel sick again."

Andrea Miller (Van Vliet) speaks of a similar lasting impression made on her mother.