Sixty years ago my mothers family immigrated from the Netherlands to a farm in Caveside, Tasmania. Like many post war immigrants they were eager to show their families back home what their new life was like so my Grandfather Jacob had a neighbour shoot this short super eight film.
Lost for the last 57 years and only recently rediscovered in a great aunt's possessions in Holland, it has finally made it's way back to my family.
I have lost count of the number of times I have watched this little film over the last week. I am mesmerised by the moving image of my mother as a child, so familiar and so long ago. My mother passed away when I was quite young, but I still remember the many stories she told me about growing up at the base of the Western Tears (that rather formidable looking mountain range in the background). Fearless and full of adventure my mother and her sisters owned that mountain range, dotting it with cubby houses and wrapping it in beaten paths.
Visually the film is just a delight, all those red bows, dresses and that big red tractor. I wonder if they were aware that red would look extra snazzy on film? I seriously doubt it, but it is a lovely accident anyway.
What a remarkable little film. I can only imagine how you must have felt the first time you saw it. The red bows are rather extraordinary aren't they and I loved that little bit at the end where everyone was being rocked into bed. Truly a thing to treasure.
ReplyDeleteOh that is just so so special. How wonderful for you. I was mesmerised too! In fact also a little teary. A farmer with four daughters! I loved the red bows and haircuts, the little lamb, the sharing of beds and the hayshed. Would you mind if I re-posted - there's something so intimate about it, I thought I'd ask first?
ReplyDeleteOh it's lovely - I love the matching bows and the bikes are wonderful.
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ReplyDeleteSorry, I was logged in with my son's account.
ReplyDeleteThis film is fabulous in so many ways. The visuals, the backstory, and the history. I loved the bows at bedtime. I wonder if this was just for the camera?
Hello. Just stumbled upon ...
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely memories to have. The red bows are super sweet. And the woman hanging washing is wearing heels. Sturdy heels but heels all the same. Is she your grandmother?
ReplyDeletethat's brilliant. what a lovely find for you and your family! and you are right, that red is very snazzy!
ReplyDeletea day in the life... my word, i can imagine you hold this little (vintage&personal) gem dear and close to your heart.
ReplyDeleteso. who's your mama?
Woolf; My mama is the funny gangly one who keeps grinning at the camera (the one standing in the middle of the home made see saw).
ReplyDeleteKatie: The Lady in the sturdy heels is indeed my Oma, her name is Elsienna Peitranella van Hoorn and she is to this day one very special lady.
Oh wow. How completely precious. *s*
ReplyDeleteOh my Estelle that is amazing! What an incredible little piece of history to have after all those years and in such amazing colour and over a day. The reds do look amazing and I love the bed sharing too, it was just the done thing wasn't it due to space and resources but it makes so much sense to me to do this still. Thankyou so much for sharing this precious movie, it brought tears to my eyes! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gem of a film! So much love there....the neighbour did a great job. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGosh there's something about so easy to pick about little dutch girls - the red bows?!
ReplyDeleteThose three could as easily be my mother and her sisters - they emmigrated from The Netherlands to Newcastle, NSW in the 40s.
It's so incredible that this footage was even made, let alone that it found it's way back to you!