Vermeiren

(submitted by Jean Janes)

Henry and Mary (Geerts) Vermeiren contemplated a move to another country because of their experiences in Holland during World War II. Most of Henry’s family were very reluctant for him to leave. Henry and Mary were married, then sailed from Noord Brabant with the Geerts family in 1953, on the Samaria. They landed in Halifax. Two brothers, caretakers of the William Van Horne estate on Minister’s Island in New Brunswick, were their sponsors. Henry looked after the gardens and flowers on the estate.

The Vermeirens were overwhelmed by the generosity of their neighbours, especially upon the arrival of their first son. Their neighbours held a baby shower for them when he was born. Neighbours often brought them lobsters, but, being unfamiliar with lobster as a food, they routinely threw them back in the ocean!

A wish for a farming community drove them to board a train for Ontario. Mary and Henry stayed with Mary’s family while Henry sought employment. He had a variety of employers, including Empire Brass in London, Wyoming Dairy, and Gold Seal Dairies in London.

In 1963 they bought a 100 acre farm on Lot 10, Con. 3 SER (Zion Line) west of Nauvoo Rd., and a 150 acre farm from Thomas Gavigan. Henry also worked off the farm for 4 or 5 years, with Sarnia Power Installation.

On the farm they grew cucumbers, beans and corn as well as raising hogs. Later they built a turkey barn to house 5,000 breeding poults in conjunction with Cuddy Farms.

Mary contended with much homesickness. She was amazed at her first sight of a piano, pie and cornflakes. Working seven days a week was routine for both Mary and Henry. At one point Mary took her first two children and worked in the tobacco fields in Tillsonburg. Mary was a cook at Taxandria Community Centre near Arkona for 30 years

The Vermeirens live at 6995 Egremont Rd. in Warwick Village in 2008. Their children are Adrian, John, Rick, Nancy (Curts), and Shelly (Milner). Their children all live in Warwick Twp.

Chapter 24 of 25 - Vermeiren Family

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