Husband Pieter's 1974 Visit to Esztergom, Hungary during Communism

During the Fall of 1974, Pieter and his best friend Harry Hollander did drive from The Netherlands, through Germany, Austria into Hungary, with wives and adopted daughter Liz.

For many years Pieter had scientist friends in the mushroom business in Hungary but for them it was nearly impossible to get out of the country for attending any meeting or lecture.
Any conversation, they had to do inside his friend Imre Koronczy's car; out of fear that inside a restaurant they could be 'listened to'... 

On a terras with the Esztergom Basilica in the back.

The largest Church within Hungary.

Hungary's Largest Church-Esztergom Basilica and Treasury (With Facts/Figures) click link for more info via video.
József Cardinal Mindszenty was the Prince Primate, Archbishop of Esztergom, cardinal, and leader of the Catholic Church in Hungary from 2 October 1945 to 18 December 1973.
More about him in a later post...
Esztergom was the Capitol in the 13th Century and the residence for the Royals.

Múzeum Cukrászda Espresso

This seems still to be in operation on address: Batthyány Lajos út 1., Esztergom 2500, Hungary

Right on the Danube River and that is also the border line with Slovakia.

Back in 1974 during communism, there was ONLY local produce on the market!
Such as here the Jonathan apples, pears, grapes.

Hungary is known for its Paprikas and also Tomatoes.
In the US they say bell peppers...

Imre Koronczy was Pieter's scientist friend whom he helped often for sending him an official invitation so he could attend important lectures outside of Hungary. His wife then was not allowed to travel with him; out of fear they would never return  back to Hungary...
Right at the bottom of this screenshot, google search for Imre Koronczy, Budapest, you can also read my husband's name P.J.C. Vedder with the title of his English book: Modern Mushroom Growing, first printed by Educabook in The Netherlands and next by Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham (England)...

Very meaningful relationship and by the way, Pieter's adopted daughter got to travel a lot with her Daddy!

Next is about a trip we made together, also by rental car driving from The Netherlands...
Stay tuned.
~~☼~~
Thanks for your visit and comment!

Related link:

Our Historic Christmas in Italy - END of Romania's Communist Dictator | previous post by me

1959 ISMS Congress in Denmark with Conny Riber Rasmussen

The ISMS - International Society for Mushroom Science got founded by husband Pieter's boss, Pieter J. Bels.
It was only in 1949 that these CONGRESSES came to life.
More about that below this first photo from 1959.

This photo is from the South of Sweden.
From the ISMS Congress, an excursion to Sweden was made. 
Those are actually MUSHROOMS grown outdoors!
This is a photo from husband Pieter's 1964 Dutch book: 'Moderne Champignonteelt'
Such methods are no longer being done!

Pieter J. Bels wrote in his lecture given at the 30th anniversary:
Let us start in the year 1949. Before that year mushroom growers were, in general, very secretive. There was practically no national and international contact. There were just a handful of mushroom researchers.
But then traveling started. Dr. Ware went to France; Lambert and Sinden to England; Mrs. Hauser to the U.S.A. and England and the Bels' to Switzerland, Belgium, England and Scandinavia.
The time seemed ripe for more international contact...

This is another part of that lecture:
The Third Congress was organized for 1956 in PARIS, by Sarazin, Heim and Dekeirel. Here we had simultaneous translation for the first time.
In 1957 "Mushroom Science 3" came out.
In 1956 we received an invitation from Hugary for the Congress in 1959.
Before we could send an answer, Russian tanks were in Budapest, actually on November 4, 1956.
As a young girl, in Kindergarten, I recall that we were praying hard for the people in Hungary!!! There was FEAR
So Hungary was out of the question. Conny Riber Rasmussen from DENMARK came up and helped us out. The 1959 Congress, the Fourth, was held in COPENHAGEN. Practically alone, with his enormous energy, Conny Riber Rasmussen organized this 4th Congress.
Prof. Paludan, now 89 years old and Dr. Treschow were President and Vice-President.
Conny's Congress was a success. We made an excursion to Sweden...
As seen in the FIRST picture, the reason for that excursion were the mushrooms grown in the soil, outdoors!
*
The mushroom industry sure has come a long way since then!
*
Sadly though, Hungary never made it back into hosting such an ISMS Congress...
They regained their freedom from Communism only 30 years later.
That is when they finally got rid of Socialism...
Politics and wars always affect the little people in a big way!
*
Husband Pieter became good friends with Conny and he has stayed with him for a week at the University Institute in Copenhagen. It was such an energetic scientist!

Here, Pieter is on the ferry from Hamburg, on his way to Denmark again in October of 1964 with some of his students on excursion to Conny Riber Rasmussen.
This was together with his ex-wife.

Younger brother from A. Veeken to the left, one of Pieter's Dutch students and Pieter to the right...

Under the Danish Flag...

Once ashore, they continued to travel in their cars and then a delicious Danish Smorgasbord awaited them!

Guest at Conny Riber Rasmussen's in Copenhagen, Denmark.
On the left is Conny Riber Rasmussen and Pieter is seated, 2nd from left and his ex is sitting next to him.

Fond memories of Pieter's three trips to Denmark and his encounters during ISMS Congresses with Conny Riber Rasmussen.
He was quite famous at the time for reaching high yields in mushroom production by filling 2 trays with full grown compost and then layering the compost on top of each other.
At the time an average of 7 kg/m2 he managed to reach 10 kg/m2.

Fond Danish memories!

Related link:

Soviets Crush Hungarian Revolt (1956) | A Day That Shook the World 2 min. video showing the reason that the ISMS Congress had to be in Kopenhagen

1982 Sinden Award for Pieter at The Hotel Majestic, Harrogate, England

Yes, in 1982, husband Pieter became the very first non-British, to receive the prestigious Sinden Award at the Mushroom Industry Conference in The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate in England.

This very Waterford Crystal Decanter was engraved with the words SINDEN AWARD 1982 and presented as a gift to Pieter

Here the engraved words SINDEN AWARD 1982 are reflecting in the silver tray...

SINDEN

AWARD

1982
Finally a sunny day for making these photos on March 6...

MUSHROOM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Harrogate 1982
THE HOTEL MAJESTIC, HARROGATE

Banquet Programme

*

Grace will be said by Mr. J. H. Green

*

THE QUEEN

Proposed by Mr. H. J. Linfield 

Chairman of the Mushroom Growers' Association

(those that are not familiar with this British ritual, a toast to the Queen is always made during a special event).

*

THE GUESTS

Proposed by Mr. H. J. Linfield 

Chairman of the Mushroom Growers' Association

(another formal ritual where each name is being called off and that person walks in...)

To blogger friend Rosemary a question: What is the staff called, to knock on the floor with, before calling the persons names?

*

Guest Speaker

Mr. Brian Wash, Q.C.

*

PRIZE-GIVING and INVESTITURE OF 

THE INCOMING CHAIRMAN

Menu

Whitby Crab and Salmon Mousse

*

Savoury Yorkshire Pudding with Onion Gravy

*

Wansford Steak and fresh vegetables

*

Wharfedale Orange Tart

*

Wensleydale Cheese & biscuits

*

Coffee and mints

Pieter gave his Sinden Award speech:

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gents.

It is a great honor I realize, and I am very grateful to all of you, especially the nominating committee, for getting this Sinden Award.

It will be now approximately 25 years ago, I suppose, that I visited the U.K. for the first time.

I was working in the Extension Service as the brand new assistant of what I can now name as my mushroom parents; Pieter Bels and his wife Henriette Bels-Koning.

I remember very well that we visited the Noble-Atkins farm, with wooden shelf beds, gleaming from the Cresylic Acid, or Baker and Jones, using trays with a loose, separate bottom. We visited Barton who just started in a few handicraft houses and also Linfield, especially to see how a big, mechanized composting yard was designed and how an automatic composter works. We also had a look at Peter Stanley-Evans' farm. He showed us his nice chrysanthemums first and later the mushrooms. He grew them in soldier cribs, in army beds, so in fact he is the first real bed grower.

Later, many times a number of you gave us hospitality and opened your farms for my Dutch students. 

In my lecture, on Thursday, I have already said that we in The Netherlands realize very well that we also learned from our colleagues abroad, not the least from the U.K. growers as well. So the first instigation for this Award is given by yourself.

My job is, as you know, gathering practical experience and knowledge, translating that into useful growers language and then selling the message.

So, if I was in the position to do something for the Mushroom Industry than it was because of a number of people, growers as well as colleagues, supporting me with their experience and the results of their research. I like to accept this Award therefore, not as Pieter Vedder as a person, but as a representative of a country.

I think, this Award is a mark of nearly 25 years of good cooperation and even friendship between the mushroom growers in two countries. I hope from both sides we are in the position to continue that fellowship and friendship, because 'You can't have too much of a good thing'.

(The English' well-known slogan to promote mushrooms...)

Thank you very, very much!

 The Sinden Award 1982
Pieter Vedder
In recognition of his outstanding
contributions to the
Mushroom Industry
for many years both in the
International field and on behalf of
British Growers who have made this
presentation.
His book
'Modern Mushroom Growing'
has found a place on every progressive
grower's desk.
His mushroom courses at Horst
have a worldwide reputation and
have helped innumerable growers,
young and not so young, from many countries.
In addition, his advice is always
available to anyone who asks and
is always cogent.
Chairman

Mushroom Growers' Association

The Best Conference for Many Years...

Excerpt from the above page: The afternoon session started with Mr. Pieter Vedder of Horst -- the 1982 Sinden Award Winner -- giving his Sinden Award lecture 'Our Formula to be Competitive in the Mushroom Business'. Just click the link for viewing Pieter's lecture!
One has come to expect over the years a very high standard from Pieter and his audience were not disappointed.

Working for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at the time was not easy as you had almost no freedom.
In June, husband Pieter had already written his boss, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries for allowing him to travel to England...
This is the reply from July 5, 1982
In response to your above-mentioned writing, I notify you that on my behalf I do not encounter any objections if your board allows you to receive the award personally.
As for the exact period of your absence, I will be pleased for being informed in time.
I have also taken note that the costs associated with attending the conference are borne by the Mushroom Growers Association.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to compliment you on this Honorable Award.
The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries
For this, the Director of agricultural education, Dr. Ir. P.K. Schenk

IN THE SUNSHINE
Director P. Vedder of the education center for mushroom cultivation in Horst, The Netherlands has been decorated with the high English distinction of the Sinden Award. This award is awarded since 1975 to a person who has made himself meritorious in the mushroom cultivation. Vedder from Horst, The Netherlands, is the first foreigner to whom this recognition was awarded. Congratulations.

Published in the local Echo on Friday, October 15, 1982

High Foreign Award
Mr. P. Vedder, director of the Centre for Mushroom Cultivation Education, Westerholtstraat in Horst, The Netherlands, was presented the Sinden Award at the annual congress of the Mushroom Growers' Association in England.
This award was set up in 1975 by the English Mushroom Growers' Association and is awarded annually to a person who made himself meritorious in the mushroom cultivation. This award was first  presented to Dr. Sinden, who was the most important international figure in the mushroom world in the eyes of the English growers. The award is also named after him.
Mr. P. Vedder is the first foreigner to qualify for this award. The annual congress of the Mushroom Growers' Association in England was held in Harrogate this year. On Thursday, October 7, Mr Vedder held a lecture on this subject: "Our Formula to be Competitive in the the Mushroom Business".
On the closing day of the Congress, on October 9, the award was presented. He received the award for his entire work for the Education in Mushroom Cultivation. Specifically 3 points were emphasized:
a. His book "Modern Mushroom Growing" no mushroom grower in the world is without it. (It is even translated into Polish).
b. The Centre for Mushroom Cultivation Education in Horst organises annually two important courses for the growers in English.
c. Mr Vedder's willingness to always be available with practical advice for the grower.
This year Mr Vedder is also involved in mushroom cultivation for 25 years. He was a researcher at the Experimental Station for the Mushroom Culture in 1957. In 1961, the first Dutch edition of his famous book "Modern Mushroom Cultivation" appeared. In 1963, he was instructed to set up education for the mushroom growers. In 1964, the first courses were given and in 1969, the school started in its own building on the Westerholtstraat.

The same story got picked up by other News Papers as well...

An old fashioned telegram from Indonesia, from Mr. Soetantyo from Mantrust, Jakarta for whom we later worked... We knew him already for a number of years through the World Bank.

Numerous cards and congrats poured in for Pieter.

*

Just have to add that my dear husband Pieter has always been a down to earth person, approachable for everyone and he always helped out.

He never used his title as his motto always has been: "I hope they respect me for what I am and not because of my title"! 

His very humble upbringing during the depression years and WWII made him appreciate so much more the true values of life.

He never accepted any bribes for promoting a certain product and thus he never accumulated great wealth.

What most counts is the worldwide friendships that last a lifetime!

*

Too bad that on his special day of recognition, he was all by himself... his ex-wife Thea never had a real interest in his work and was not eager to join him. She never kept a scrapbook for him or whatsoever. Her interests were only for her hobbies and tennis, she never worked a single day.

*

I no doubt would have felt honored to stand by him during this ceremony!

It was only four months later that Pieter and I embarked on our life's journey together as we found TRUE LOVE!

We both treasure our INTERNAL WEALTH of worldwide friendships and many fond memories!

That is what life is all about, for helping others to achieve a better life and for creating fond memories to look back on towards the end of your life...

Related links:
1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English | previous post by me
1980 MGA Conference Reception in Royal Albert Hall, London | previous post by me
Husband Pieter Speaks at MGA Conference, Bournemouth - England | previous post by me

Husband Pieter visiting Mushrooms in the Cave - Bradford-on-Avon in England | previous post by me

Visiting A.G. Linfield Mushroom Compost Facility in England  | previous post by me

Husband Pieter met with Darlington Spawn Makers and Fred Atkins in England | previous post by me

SO Happy for Having Met Another WRITING Mushroom Wife in the U.K. | previous post by me

Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in  the U.K. | previous post by me

Visiting A.G. Linfield Mushroom Compost Facility in England

One of the numerous visits to England for husband Pieter J.C. Vedder was as a study for building a Dutch Compost Turner, as they already used in England.

A.G. Linfield Ltd., Chesswood Nurseries (mushrooms) was one of the largest mushroom producers in England.

 Harold Linfield, as well as his wife Cecily are also long time friends!

Beginning with this photo, taken a lot later than the actual visit, but it shows the person the story is about.

Husband Pieter J.C. Vedder to the left, at a B'day party of one of his students who joined Campbell Soup's mushroom business here in the US.

The date was August 17, 1984 and to the right is Jan Thielen from Lottum, The Netherlands.

A long time friend of Pieter and I would say, from both of us, as I knew him since my early years at the Training Centre.

Sadly Mr. Thielen is no longer alive but his son is still running the business.

This photo is taken by husband Pieter in 1962 when they studied how to build such a compost turner.

Actually Jan Thielen did and thus THILOT was born...

In the photo is from left to right: Ben Ambrosius, Pieter Bels and Jan Veerman from the I.T.T. Wageningen (Technical Institute Wageningen University).

Husband Pieter did publish a booklet for the 25th anniversary of the Dutch C.N.C. from where this photo with under title comes.

During the study visit to a compost company in England in 1962. Seated on a compost turning machine, Mr. Veerman, Bels and Ambrosius are philosophizing about the future.

Jan Thielen is not in the picture but he was walking around, for studying the mechanics etc.

Britain from above: showing A.G. Linfield's Chesswood Nurseries (mushrooms) and the surrounding countryside, Thakeham, 1947. 

In the 1960s England was way ahead in the mushroom growing business but the Dutch caught on and became the world's leading industry.

This is from the 1986 publication: Moving Ahead in Mushroom Growing

The Industrialization of mushroom growing

Jan Thielen and son Ruud are pictured in front of their signature yellow colored equipment.

The BIG difference between England and The Netherlands was, is, that they started growing in shelf beds instead of the wooden trays used in England and also very much in the USA.

That way, things could be mechanized to the fullest and speeding up the labor.

You can enlarge this English text for reading...

Welcome - THILOT HOLLAND HAND SOWING MACHINE

Jan Thielen from Lottum, hence the combination Thi-Lot, was already producing various tools, just like his father did. Pieter got to know Jan from before ending up in the mushroom growing business.

At one time Pieter was specialized in asparagus and Jan had built for him a special seeding machine, that Pieter designed... so he always remembered his long-time friend.

Son Ruud Thielen now is part of GTL Europe Equipment | GTL Europe

Thilot machines have an excellent reputation in the world of composting and mushroom growing. Even after decades of service, many of these instantly recognizable yellow machines still work every day.

History | GTL Europe

Thilot Holland (founded in 1966, Lottum) has developed over the past 50 years into a successful, professional manufacturer of reliable and durable composting and mushroom growing equipment.

Related links: 

Husband Pieter met with Darlington Spawn Makers and Fred Atkins in the U.K. | previous post by me

SO Happy for Having Met Another WRITING Mushroom Wife in the U.K. | previous post by me

Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in  the U.K. | previous post about Pieter's very first visit to a Mushroom Farm in England

Husband Pieter met with Darlington Spawn Makers and Fred Atkins in England

Yes, husband Pieter was very, very fond of the U.K. and loved going there!
Around 1960 Pieter visited the Darlington Spawn Makers in England

For those of you that have no clue how mushrooms are being grown, this is a MUST see short 4 min. video about how they take the spores from a disinfected, mature mushroom and inoculate on some agar to incubate and next let it overgrow on rye grain.
This one mushroom contains millions of spores!
Just click Growing And Eating Aka Mushrooms 1966 and enjoy.

Pieter met with Fred C. Atkins, the very first Sinden Award Winner and also an author, like my husband Pieter.

Mushroom growing houses at the Noble-Atkins mushroom farm near Peterborough in the U.K.
Growers Ben Noble and Fred Atkins

Fred Atkin's book MUSHROOM GROWING TO-DAY from MCMLVI (1956) is in Pieter's library.
Fred C. Atkins also was the Editor of THE MUSHROOM JOURNAL Official Publication of the Mushroom Grower's Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Via link below this post you can find a letter that Fred wrote to Pieter after receiving his publication of Modern Mushroom Growing.

Related links:
1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English | previous post by me where Fred Atkins' letter is shown.
SO Happy for Having Met Another WRITING Mushroom Wife in the U.K. | previous post by me
Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in  the U.K. | previous post about Pieter's very first visit to a Mushroom Farm in England

Husband Pieter's Fond Relationship with Mushroom Growers in the U.K.

The very first mushroom farm that husband Pieter J.C. Vedder visited in the U.K. was the one from Peter Stanley-Evans. Together with his boss, Pieter Bels they did so in 1958, probably in combination with the Mushroom Fair. 

Peter Stanley-Evans grew mushrooms in metal military bunk beds, 2 high in greenhouses.

He also grew chrysanthemums.

This was the 1st real excursion with board members of the Mushroom Experiment Station and the Practical Training Center for Mushroom Growing.
Only husband Pieter's Dutch Publication was out at that time but he'd lectured at several International Congresses and wrote articles for Mushroom Magazines.

Husband Pieter is to the left, 2nd row standing. His boss, Pieter Bels is also in the 2nd row to the right and his wife Henriëtte Bels-Koning is to his left.

This was in front of a restaurant in the UK.
During one of husband Pieter's visits, Pieter Bels was talking with Peter Stanley-Evans Sr. and Pieter was discussing with Stanley-Evans Jr.
Pieter overheard Stanley-Evans Sr. say: 'Yeah, yeah, we have to realize that is the next generation...'
Sadly we learned that his (only ?) son had died rather young...

It was also this friend Peter Stanley-Evans, who invited husband Pieter with his entire class of students to his home for a formal Tea.

Below this post you find the link about the beautiful Tanner Krolle Attaché, Pieter got gifted from Peter Stanley-Evans...

Very interesting old black-and-white movie from 1958 to get an idea about how it was back then: Mushroom Farm Aka Airman At Home, Mushroom Fair 1958 This was not in bunk beds but small wooden trays.
Click the link above in pink, it is 2:39 min.

Fidlers Hall is mentioning the history of the mushroom farm. We don't know yet if Beth Stanley-Evans is maybe the daughter-in-law from said deceased son.
Just today, I got a very kind reply from a person managing the Fidlers Hall website and I will pass on the link to this post once it will get published this evening!
That way, Beth Stanley-Evans will get to read it...

Burwood House mentions the garden of Fidlers Hall, which belonged to her parents-in-law. Was that Peter Stanley-Evans?

It looks like on February 14, 2000, this very special and long-time mushroom friend left this earth.

Both of us did give a seminar for International Spawn Laboratory (in 1998 being absorbed by Sylvan) for their growers/customers.
That was held at Tewkesbury Park for two days in 1994.
We still have Peter Davies letter thanking the organizer.

To quote just a few lines:
"This is just a brief note to thank you very much for a tremendous two days at Tewkesbury last week. Your hospitality was most generous and of course in Pieter Vedder you had one of the most respected names in the mushroom world.
His talks were both very interesting and stimulating -- certainly food for thought when we return to our own farms..."

On February 10, 2008 published in the BBC NEWS | UK | England | Sussex | Struggling mushroom farm to close

The very MGA Mushroom Grower's Association in the U.K. also has dissolved...
Also the British monthly magazine 'THE MUSHROOM JOURNAL' is no longer.
Husband Pieter wrote several articles for them over the years.

Thanks for your visit!

Related link:
{Pieter’s Tanner Krolle Attaché - Royal Gift purchased at Harrods by English Friend} | previous post about the beautiful Tanner Krolle Attaché Pieter got gifted from Peter Stanley-Evans...

1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English

It was only within two years since that very 1st trip to Australia, for lecturing, that husband Pieter's Dutch book on Mushroom Growing got now published in English as well.
Following the nature of comments I received on my previous post, I'd like to give some more information about my retired husband Pieter...

This was created at the VIIIth International Congress on Mushroom Science 1971
at Imperial College London
PJC Vedder
Principal of a Famous Training Centre
~
From youth up-getting them Mushroom minded

So there it was; 1978 the first English publication of his book!

Top from left: Dutch, German, French

Spanish and English

The above article (Dutch) got published in "Bedrijfsontwikkeling" September, 1979, page 872
Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing in five languages.
In 1961 the book 'Moderne Champignonteelt' appeared by Mr. P.J.C. Vedder. This manual was the successor of the 'Manual for Mushroom Culture' from 1958 by Bels. New revised editions are being published regularly. In 1978 the fifth edition came off the press.
Vedder's book, a cultivation manual, is a reflection of the mushroom industry in The Netherlands, with aspects of research, information, education, growers organization, marketing, processing, etc.
Vedder in 1963 became Director (Principal) of the Center for Mushroom Cultivation Education in Horst, Province of Limburg.
The developments of the mushroom industry in The Netherlands, drew the attention of many from abroad. Requests therefore came for allowing to have 'Moderne Champignon Teelt' translated. This yielded the result that Vedder's book now lies before us in five languages. Dutch (5th edition) 1978, German 1970, French 1974, English 1978 and Spanish 1979. A unique event. They are not short tutorials, but books of about 400 pages.
A manual in five languages has never been published in the more than 350-year anniversary of mushroom cultivation.
The manual now covers 25% of the total language area, so that many can draw knowledge from the mushroom events in The Netherlands. In the Dutch history of agriculture and horticulture a manual in five languages is unique.

The five books by Vedder (under photo).
~
Needless to say that I feel very proud of my Pieter!
His book has been called: 'The Mushroom Bible' and it has helped so many.

Meanwhile in 8 official languages!
From left at top: Dutch, Italian, French, English
Polish, Spanish and German
Bulgarian has been added and the Chinese just 'stole' it without ever bothering copyright!

Pieter got numerous references, like here: GROWING MUSHROOM REFERENCES

His colleagues world wide responded with kind letters.
Like here by The Mushroom Growers' Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. Fred C. Atkins who writes about the arrival of your marvelous book and the generous inscription made me a very happy man.

The British have had a very close and long standing relationship with Pieter.
This yielded him The Sinden Award 1982
Pieter Vedder
In recognition of his outstanding
contributions to the
Mushroom Industry
for many years both in the
International field and on behalf of
British Growers who have made this
presentation.
His book
'Modern Mushroom Growing'
has found a place on every progressive
grower's desk.
His mushroom courses at Horst
have a worldwide reputation and
have helped innumerable growers,
young and not so young, from many countries.
In addition, his advice is always
available to anyone who asks and
is always cogent.
Chairman
Mushroom Growers' Association

Another very kind letter from the USA from the American Mushroom Institute
Dear Pieter:
I wish to congratulate you on the most informative and educational
book I ever read on mushroom growing. It is an encyclopedia on
mushroom growing. It is a complete review of growing, diseases,
mechanization and many small detailed aspects of growing analyzed
with great knowledge and experience. No wonder that this practical
book is translated in so many languages.
As an Agronomist with 34 years working with the mushroom industry,
I always find very valuable information and excellent guidance. Only
a dedicated teacher, grower, and researcher like you could wrap up
this valuable book that I am sure will have a constant increased
demand. I am very proud that I was one of the first to have this
translation right-off-the-press.
I am very pleased that I also got the opportunity to personally give
you the letter of invitation to the AMI conference in San Francisco.
I am sure you will enjoy meeting our growers as well as our hospitality.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Sincerely,
Aron Kinrus, Agronomist
Public Relations Coordinator

Lastly, but in fact THE most important one came on June 13, 1979 from Pieter's Boss:

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

I have heard from the press about your book "Moderne Champignonteelt" now having been published in a fifth language. With this unique happening I would like to warmly compliment you.

I am pleased that at an international level your work and with that also agricultural education is being propagated.

Although it is not my habit to approach in this way authors from agricultural education circles, I have felt to make an exception for this particular case.

THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

 (Dr. Ir. P.K. Schenk)

No wonder that copies of his book still are being offered at a better price than they ever sold for right off the press!

This is not the actual cover...
Wonder why they put this on?!

Thanks for your visits and comments - greatly appreciated, also by Pieter!

Related links:

Trips to Australia | previous post by me
{Angels engraved on lucky calendar coin of 1969} | previous post by me
{My Teacher, Mentor, BOSS & Husband over 44+ Years} | previous post by me
{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to East Asia - Arrival in Beijing, China} | previous post showing the Chinese version of Pieter's book
{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Patiala Punjab} | previous post showing one of his Royal customers for his book!
{What YOU should LOOK for when Buying Fresh Mushrooms} | previous post by me showing publications from both of us...
{HELP ME FIND ITALIAN ARTIST M. SOTGIU mother of Luigi Tramarollo} | previous post by me showing Pieter's Italian edition
{Reader Asked WHY They Are Called Toadstools} | previous post by me about Pieter's publication

Google.com/+MarietteVandenMunckhofVedder

SaveSave