At The Root Of The Aardens
By Liam O'Comain
In two previous articles namely 'Jan Aarden - The Strain And The Dynasty' and 'Toon Schouteren And European Distance Racing' I referred to pigeoners plus families and strains of pigeons that related to the foundation and the development of the Aarden phenomenon. Including the creme de la creme of what emanated from the phenomenon in the course of time. However, there are a number of pigeoners whose contributions were of immense importance namely the Oomens. In addition, another pigeoner made an important contribution namely Van Tuyn. In a sense they were at the root of the Aardens.
In the former article I briefly referred to the Oomens but to give them their due this partnership was one of the major ones since the origins of the sport. Its basis was laid by L. J. Oomens in 1879, the latter being the father of the better known Oomens brothers (Jan, Harry, Antoon, Gerard, Koos and Jef ). Around about 1914 the Oomens of Breda in Holland (or the Netherlands) were a famous pigeon racing partnership. This arose from their many successes which was partly fuelled by the brothers obtaining outstanding stock from a very rich fancier called Felix Stoffels. In fact between 1930 and 1940 the Oomens won 14 first prizes in classic events. Interestingly some of the old masters of the sport namely Stassart, Bricoux and Sion to name but a few purchased birds from the Oomens. However, an important factor in the development of the European racing pigeon at this time was the friendship formed by the above named Van Tuyn and the Oomens. This wealthy manufacturer formed a friendship dating from about 1930 and by 1938 Van Tuyn's loft were of 100% Oomens bloodlines. Also by 1938 Van Tuyn was the Champion of the 25,000 strong Antwerp Union. Holding the position in front of such greats as Havenith, etc.
However, the 2nd World War had a negative behavioural aspect upon the sport for the German military had taken the contents of many lofts. Then when the German defeat became a reality the basis was sound for making progress sportswise .By then Van Tuyn had the best of the Oomens and, as I referred to in another article, Toon Schouteren had liberated Oomens bloodlines from the Germans prior to the latter's defeat. This was from the German Wehrmacht - Station at Steenbergen. And in due course the after conflict conditions saw the formation of a partnership between the Oomens and Van Tuyn with the valuable support of Piet de Weerd. In addition, Toon Schouteren was appointed the loft manager of a beautiful 60 metres loft.
In due course this Oomens/Van Tuyn combination scored 1st and 3rd victories in the Grand National from Orleans plus 2nd in the National from Chateouroux. To be followed by the best in the Netherlands from Bordeaux. This was ten prizes won by their pigeon athletes. Indeed the Oomens bloodlines were increasingly winning throughout the continental mainland. Piet de Weerd's brother won 2nd National from Orleans in 1949 with the bloodlines plus 7th National Pau at 600 plus miles.
Thus fate, sound advice, or the workings of an intelligent mind led Jan Aarden to the source where he would obtain the basis of his strain and ultimate dynasty. A source which Piet de Weerd once claimed to be the best pre-war (1939/1945) strain in Europe - the Oomens. A strain perhaps unfamiliar or unknown to the modern fancy and yet solidly based at the heart and root of European and world wide long distance and marathon pigeon racing.
16/7/07
