Today, the Antwerp quays are a place of relaxation, where you can enjoy the calm lapping of the Scheldt in the sunshine with a refreshing drink. A hundred years ago, relaxation was not on the agenda. Back then, this was the place where many families waited eagerly for an ocean liner. It would take them across the ocean, where they hoped to build a new life. At the end of the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century, many people fled Europe, which was plagued by overpopulation and political unrest at the time.
With the ErfgoedApp my guide, so many years later, I follow in the footsteps of these migrants on their way to a better future, tracing their route from the station to the quays.
An initial medical examination
The route starts at Antwerp Central Station. Anyone arriving at the station must immediately undergo an initial medical check in order to be allowed into the city. If you fail that first test, you must immediately board the train back to your departure station. The doctors are mainly looking for infectious diseases and pests such as fleas and lice. But the examinations themselves are often unhygienic, as the doctors' instruments and clothes are rarely washed. Today, there is nothing left to see of the medical center at the back of the station.
Expensive hotels and slum landlords
After a stroll through the Jewish quarter, I arrive at the Century Hotel, where the more affluent travelers stayed. Anyone standing in front of the hotel on December 1, 1930, could spot Albert Einstein, a very satisfied hotel guest. He also used the Red Star Line to travel to America several times, where he would eventually settle. At that time, De Keyserlei was where many Red Star Line agents had their offices, but it was also home to many restaurants and luxury shops that made a deep impression on the emigrants. However, many of them ended up in poor-quality buildings in the surrounding streets. This was because there were many slum landlords who took advantage of the difficult situation in which the migrants found themselves.
The Scheldt quays: the heart of the old harbor
After a walk through the city, I arrive at the Scheldt quays. Today, no large ships moor here anymore, but in the first half of the 20th century, the view must have been impressive. Through the ErfgoedApp , I hear ErfgoedApp story of Julia Schwalbe, who grew up near the Antwerp quays. After the First World War, she met Clay, an American soldier, and fell in love. After a two-year romance, Clay was called back to the US in 1921. A few months later, Julia, who was pregnant, decided to follow him, but pregnant unmarried women were not allowed to enter the US without permission. Clay eventually managed to get her through the strict controls, after which they got married.
The journey to the new world
In the hangars by the water, people eagerly await the journey of a lifetime as they undergo a final medical check-up before departure. Medical checks on arrival in the US are particularly strict, with only completely healthy people being admitted. Canada is also a well-known destination for emigrants. The app tells the story of the Canadian Pacific, which brings migrants to Canada. Quebec is a particularly popular destination. The Canadian Pacific ships depart from the Orteliuskaai, where storage sheds once stood, most of which have been preserved.
The walk ends at the Red Star Line Museum, which is well worth a visit.
Would you also like to take this fascinating walk, which is brimming with unique visual material? Then download the free ErfgoedApp start the Red Star Line walk.
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