To The LIST -- In the following issue of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter , Vol. 5 No. 43- October 21, 2000, there appeared a follow-up to the recent long submission about LEIDEN HISTORIC SITES. The following article is from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter and is copyright 2000 by Richard W. Eastman. It is re-published here with the permission of the author. Barbara Sacks <BBSacks@aol.com> **************************** - More on the Threat to the Leiden, Holland, Pilgrim Sites Two weeks ago I wrote about the City of Leiden's intention to demolition the remains of the Vrouwekerk, the medieval church that was used by the Walloons (Huguenots) after the Reformation. Several Huguenot families, including Philip Delano, Francis Cooke and his wife Hester Mayhew, Edward Bumpas and others, later became Pilgrims. As such, this site is important in both Dutch and American history. According to Dr. Jeremy D. Bangs of the Leiden American Pilgrim Foundation in Leiden, a victory for genealogists and historians can now be proclaimed. Dr. Bangs writes, "Regarding the Aalmarkt site, we've won! - to the extent that AHOLD has just sent me letters announcing their refusal to participate in the project if Pilgrim sites are threatened! Great news! Of course, the town itself has yet to change its attitude, but this may heavily influence them. The many letters and the UCC petition have been very important in this, which is half the fight here. I'm sending you copies of the two letters I got this evening. "This development does not mean that we can relax about the Vrouwekerk; and how the town reacts to the Aalmarkt situation must be watched carefully. An alderman told me that they would just try to find other investors if AHOLD pulls out, and that means pressure still needs to be exerted on FORTIS and ABN/AMRO. But it is certainly an important shift in the scenery." One of the letters he mentions is from Hans Gobes, Senior Vice President of AHOLD, a company that wanted to build a new store in the area. Mr. Gobes wrote, "As you have been informed AHOLD made clear to the Leiden city government on July 7 that it does not want a new store location in the center of Leiden if this would mean that Pilgrim monuments would have to be demolished. We believe it should be possible to do the center project while leaving the monuments intact. Today I repeated our position in a telephone conversation with a Leiden city official. As it seems there is growing interest and as I want to avoid misunderstandings we plan to contact next week the local Leiden newspaper for an article on AHOLD's position." As Dr. Bangs points out, this is not the end of the battle. It simply means that one of the would-be developers has pulled out. There are others. Your letters and e-mails are still important. Those wishing to contact Fortis can write or send e-mail to: Fortis Investors Inc. P.O. Box 64284 St. Paul, MN 55164 Financial@us.fortis.com For ABN/AMRO, write to: ABN AMRO Incorporated 208 South LaSalle Street Chicago, IL 60604 For Leiden City Council: Mailbox@leidenpromotie.nl =