A gable stone from Bolsward, Netherlands, 1750.
Married in Joure in 1746, 25 km from Bolsward.
Don't you wonder how they met back then?
Passing ships in the night?
Ginnie Hart: I'm guessing that happened a lot more than planes, trains and automobiles, Larry?
Ginnie Hart: Thanks, Peter. You can imagine the whole story from this little stone!
I think it was daylight when they met, at night it might have been to dark and would have missed each other completely.
Wonderful gevelsteen. Always fun to look for them.
Ginnie Hart: I love these gable stones, as you know, MLMA. Whenever they relate to Boat Friday, I love them even more. Hartstikke bedankt.
Ginnie Hart: You know by now, dear Marie, that many of us at Shutterchance "celebrate" Boat Friday, so when I find a gable stone with a boat, I'm quite happy to oblige. Merci.
Ginnie Hart: Thank you, Lisl. I was amazed to find all this info on the Dutch database of gable stones. It made me feel I could like a story.
Ginnie Hart: Story telling written on stone, Chris. Totally intriguing!
Ginnie Hart: You're way too out of your mind, Elaine.
I wonder if they have descendants around?
Ginnie Hart: Since the town is pretty small (less than 10K), Bill, it wouldn't surprise me. That'd be fun to research.
I've been in Bolsward and it's a nice little town. The region is a great area for boat holidays.
Ginnie Hart: I declare. It's a small world after all! Thanks, HF.
Ginnie Hart: I thought so, too, Martin. These gable stones amaze me! Thanks.
I do like the shape of that boat Ginnie, it has something homely and reassuring about it.
Ginnie Hart: It does look sea-worthy, Chad, doesn't it!
Good find Ginnie! I'm sure you are compiling a collection?
Ginnie Hart: Thanks, Martin, and, oh, yes. Collecting gable stones is one of my favorite things to do.
Ginnie Hart: Now why didn't I think of that!!!
I think the gable stone must be from 1746 too. Is that possible? It looks very old.
Ginnie Hart: The gable stone is from 1750, Mary, (it may be confusing in the text above), so they must have had it made 4 years after they were married. Awww. How sweet.
The gable stone is beautiful and this makes a gorgeous image. And yes a sweet thing to imagine their meeting. I love your white background!
Ginnie Hart: Thank you, Ruth. It's always easy for me to think up stories when I see these beautiful gable stones.
And regarding the background, we have the abitlity here at SC to choose between black or white as the background for each post. I default to black but every once in awhile I enjoy the white. So thanks for noticing.
Perhaps Gosse Jochem is a Flying Dutchman who finally found a cosy home and a dear wife for ever- I like this gable stone and your sharp photo very much!
Ginnie Hart: HA! I like your imagination very much, Philine.
Gosse and Jetske (I love the Dutch namens) were 25 years old when they got married and they had four children, all baptized as Roman Catholics.
Ginnie Hart: The things we find on the internet, Philine! It's wonderful, isn't it!
25 km ain't that far, right?
Compare this to the distance between the US and NL?!
What's 25 km in miles anyway?
You're so European these days!
Ginnie Hart: Without planes, trains and automobiles...but only boats...I guess in the Netherlands nowhere is far, LC. HA! 25km is 15.5 miles. A good day's walk or a nice boat row.
What a nice print Ginnie!
Ginnie Hart: It's fun, Ronky. Thanks.
It looks as if this boat has weathered many a storm since 1750, Ginnie, but after all that it is still afloat. Do I see two figures embracing in the stern of the boat, or is it just my imagination?
Ginnie Hart: I think I see your two lovebirds as well, Beverly.
Usually a couple of ways in that age - church, or trading partners.
Ginnie Hart: HAHAHA! I bet you know a lot about this stuff, Tom.
That is a really interesting find Ginnie.
Ginnie Hart: I just love gable stones, Brian. I "collect" them like you collect trains and churches.
Don't you just love the patina of the passing years. A bountiful Boat Friday to you and Astrid...along with a wonderful weekend.
Ginnie Hart: Oh, yes, George. I am such a lover of these old stones! Many kind thanks.
Ginnie Hart: So it has, Anne! Thanks.
What a wonderful stone work Ginnie! Great find.
Ginnie Hart: I'm trying to remember if I saw these gable stones in France, Richard, but I love seeing them in our neck of the woods. Merci.
That is a "wow", Ginnie.
Ginnie Hart: Very kind of you, Ray. I love these gable stones like you love your critters, I think.
It is so cool to have building with those little pieces of art in them.
Ginnie Hart: I so agree, Michael, and lucky for me, they are everywhere in this part of Europe.
Fascinating stonework Ginnie. It's really amazing to think how far mankind has come in just over 250 years.
Ginnie Hart: Thank you, John. I love the stories these gable stones tell!
Ginnie Hart: HAHAHA! Spoken from one who knows...TO one who also knows! Thanks, Elizabeth.
I love this very much; beautiful and great historic art work.
Ginnie Hart: Thank you kindly, Sartenada. I'm a huge fan of gable stones like this.
Ginnie Hart: I know, Oscar. It still blows my mind when I see these dates!