From Dick Eastmans latest news letter
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- More on the Threat to the Leiden, Holland, Pilgrim Sites
Two weeks ago I wrote about the City of Leiden's intention to
demolition the remains of the Vrouwekerk, the medieval church that
was used by the Walloons (Huguenots) after the Reformation.
Several Huguenot families, including Philip Delano, Francis Cooke
and his wife Hester Mayhew, Edward Bumpas and others, later became
Pilgrims. As such, this site is important in both Dutch and
American history.
According to Dr. Jeremy D. Bangs of the Leiden American Pilgrim
Foundation in Leiden, a victory for genealogists and historians
can now be proclaimed. Dr. Bangs writes, "Regarding the Aalmarkt
site, we've won! - to the extent that AHOLD has just sent me
letters announcing their refusal to participate in the project if
Pilgrim sites are threatened! Great news! Of course, the town
itself has yet to change its attitude, but this may heavily
influence them. The many letters and the UCC petition have been
very important in this, which is half the fight here. I'm sending
you copies of the two letters I got this evening.
"This development does not mean that we can relax about the
Vrouwekerk; and how the town reacts to the Aalmarkt situation must
be watched carefully. An alderman told me that they would just try
to find other investors if AHOLD pulls out, and that means
pressure still needs to be exerted on FORTIS and ABN/AMRO. But it
is certainly an important shift in the scenery."
One of the letters he mentions is from Hans Gobes, Senior Vice
President of AHOLD, a company that wanted to build a new store in
the area. Mr. Gobes wrote, "As you have been informed AHOLD made
clear to the Leiden city government on July 7 that it does not
want a new store location in the center of Leiden if this would
mean that Pilgrim monuments would have to be demolished. We
believe it should be possible to do the center project while
leaving the monuments intact. Today I repeated our position in a
telephone conversation with a Leiden city official. As it seems
there is growing interest and as I want to avoid misunderstandings
we plan to contact next week the local Leiden newspaper for an
article on AHOLD's position."
As Dr. Bangs points out, this is not the end of the battle. It
simply means that one of the would-be developers has pulled out.
There are others. Your letters and e-mails are still important.
Those wishing to contact Fortis can write or send e-mail to:
Fortis Investors Inc.
P.O. Box 64284
St. Paul, MN 55164
Financial(a)us.fortis.com
For ABN/AMRO, write to:
ABN AMRO Incorporated
208 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60604
For Leiden City Council:
Mailbox(a)leidenpromotie.nl
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