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Family News, Events & Historical Finds

2008 Ottenburg Reunioin

17 Sep 2008 Ottenburg Reunion Report

Splingaerd 2008 Ottenburg Reunion: Description and Report to Family Members by Dominic Bowen As promised, I am writing to you to share some photos, documents and a brief diary style report on the tremendously successful Splingaerd reunion in Ottenburg, Belgium which took place a little over...

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When I work with the Chinese mandarins, they cannot hold rank over me because I am also a mandarin. I also try to keep on good terms with… great or small, and also with the people. This way everything runs smoothly.

— Paul Splingaerd
Alfred Blondel and Paul Splingaerd from Blondel Diaries

21 Apr Blondel Diary Discovery: Excerpt

In 1879 a 25-year old Belgian named Alfred Blondel traveled around the world to complement his education in science and engineering. His travels took him through Northern China and Mongolia, and when his great granddaughter, Martine Bouquelle of Brussels came across his diary, she contacted...

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