Netherlands
Tribute to Mothers – Emigrant Savings Bank Bas Relief – Flatbush & Flatlands Avenue
© Frank H. Jump
Even though there is no particular date on which all the countries of the world celebrate Mother’s Day, but most of the countries celebrate it on the second Sunday of May. US President Woodrow Wilson declared this particular day as Mother’s Day in the year 1914, by signing a Joint Declaration. As per this declaration, Mother’s Day 2008 date turns out to be 11th of May.
However, a number of countries celebrate Mother’s Day on other days also. For example, in New Zealand, Mother’s Day falls on the first Sunday of May. Similarly, a number of countries celebrate Mother’s Day on days other then the second Sunday of May. Whatever be the day of celebration, the reason behind celebrating this day remain the same i.e., to say thanks to the most important person in our life – our mother. It is the day to tell her how much we love her and how special she is for us. – Festivals – I Love India – Mother’s Day
Flatlands Reformed Church Cemetery – Flatlands, Brooklyn
© Frank H. Jump
A colleague and myself took our after-school photography program to the Flatlands Reformed Church Cemetery on Kings Highway for a photo-shoot. This is the same organization as Marble Collegiate and one of the oldest churches in Brooklyn.
Founded in 1654, Flatlands’ tradition and history is firmly grounded in the history of Dutch immigration and settlement and Dutch Reformed liturgy and theology. The Flatlands Reformed Church shares the distinction of being the oldest church in Brooklyn with Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope and the Flatbush Reformed Church on Flatbush and Church Avenues. The three congregations were founded on February 9, 1654. There are only two other Reformed Church congregations that are older than those in Brooklyn – the Collegiate Church in Manhattan and the North Dutch Church in Albany (later renamed First Church).
Walking through the tree-filtered late Autumn sunshine, you will recognize many of the names as street names in Brooklyn (i.e. Wyckoff). The sanctuary is a beautiful setting for the fall foliage and there are still a few roses in bloom late this November. Unfortunately there has been some vandalism.
Above is a marriage announcement for the same Teunis J. Bergen that was buried on February 27, 1922 (one of the later burials amongst many from the late 18th century and earlier). Below is a map of the Netherlands from around the time the first settlers came to Brooklyn (Breukelen).
Epitaph – Dutch Reformed Church – Church Avenue, Brooklyn – September 2007
© Frank H. Jump
Hier is begraaven het lighaam van Andreanthe Hubbard ? vrouw van de overleden Adriaen Voorhees overleden de 23de dag van July 1810. In het 80 jaar haar levens.
Here is buried the body of Andreanthe Hubbard- (beloved?) wife of the deceased Adriaen Voorhees, died on the 23rd day of July 1810. In the 80th year of her life.
Hoi Frank,
That is a very beautiful gravestone indeed. Were did you find that one?
here is the translation:
Hier is begraven het lichaam van Adriantie Hubbard
Huys Vrouw van de Overleden
Adriaen Voorhees
overleden of de 13e dag van July
1810
in het 80e jaar haar leven
Translated word by word:
Here is buried the body of Adriantie Hubbard
Housewife of the late
Adriaen Voorhees
passed away on the 13th day of July
1810
in the 80th year of her life
