Standing, left to right, Cornelius Van Herwarde, Mrs. Gomes,
Willem Zijm (Grandpa), Mary Van Herwarde (wife of Cornelius),
and Matthias Van Herwarde (Uncle Tice)
The ladies in front are Theodora Zijm (Grandma),
and Aunt Vera, (Uncle Tice's wife).

I think this is the only existing
picture of Aunt Vera, who died before I was born.

I'm sure that picture was taken in the front room of 188 Hope Avenue in Passaic NJ. We lived there until I was 8 years old, it was Uncle Tice's house. I recognize the pipe on the right side of the 3rd window. Yes, I do.

A little history because I only know a little.

Around 1820 or so in Texel,
Cornelis Hendriksz Van Heerwarden wed Bregje Zijm.

In 1840, their son Tijs Van Heerwaarden, married Jannetje Dijt.
They in turn, had Uncle Tice.

Names sound familiar?  They are all through this narrative.

I feel related to the entire Island of Texel.

Ever since I can remember.


Uncle Tice and me

ANECDOTE I remember Uncle Tice sitting in the back yard of 188 Hope Avenue, crossing his legs and giving me a "horsie back ride" by having me sit on the crossed leg and raising it up and down...while saying the rhyme in Dutch (and the spelling is all wrong) "Hupsa parcha", that ended with the "parcha" or "little horse" asking "what is that?"

This was taken in front of the house at
188 Hope Avenue in Passaic NJ.

I don't remember
what my escort was wearing but
my hat was white and had 3 red cherries
and 3 green leaves inside the brim.



As time went by,
Uncle Tice was always still there for me.

I guess that's one of the things
you don't realize at the time.

He bought me my first bicycle.

I could talk to him like...a Dutch Uncle.

And he was always on my side.