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Fredrica Hanou

In their home country of the Netherlands, Fredrica Hanou used to bring dinner to her husband, John. The building where he worked on the third floor was occupied by the Nazi Gestapo on the fifth floor. The windows of their Amsterdam home were always covered at night, in case of German bombing raids. Nazi planes flew overhead, and Dutch citizens would take cover. But Amsterdam, unlike Rotterdam, was spared. Fredrica and John emigrated to the United States in 1950, and settled in Columbus in 1954 after John got a job at Cummins Engine Co.'s international division. He died in 1972. When they arrived in Columbus, "it was a dirty old town," she said, much different than her friendly hometown in 2001. People here were very helpful, especially coworkers at Cummins, who "felt like family," she said. Some of her heritage was displayed in Columbus during Ethnic Expo, and she was an early member of the Cosmopolitan Club. She recalls no incidents of discrimination because of her accent. "People are very interested in foreigners." But she misses the natural beauty of the Netherlands, with it tulips, windmills, streetcars, bicycles and North Sea beaches. She also misses the fine coffees and afternoon teatime. And the mixture of sauerkraut with potatoes and bacon, served with sausages, remain a favorite.

Christmas in the Netherlands is a religious holiday, but Dec. 5 is celebrated for St. Nicholas, as residents go to the harbor to see the Santa-like figure arrive via ship, bearing gifts. Many of these old Dutch customs remain in the small towns, she said, while cities like Amsterdam have lost some of their traditions. But the Dutch are a peacful people, she said, not prone to crime and violence.