The Cross and the Ballot. Politics and Religion in Doel during the 1950's.

After the Second World War, the Catholic Party changed its name and image and became the new Christian Social Party (CVP). Henceforth the CVP also wanted to attract non (-practicing) believers. The party presented itself as a wide based Christian Democratic party.

The catholic church however remained pursuing a strong influence and so the party kept its conservative position. Priests consequently preached in favour of the party. 

Priests were a vital part within the local community.  They had a large amount of authority and influence in the village. Depending on who you ask, this was experienced either positive or negative.

Religion and living religious were ubiquitous in Doel. Nuns for example were a common sight and the singing of the vespers was done frequently.

The CVP was not the only political party active in Doel. The Belgian Socialist Party (BSP) presented its first electoral list in Doel on the local elections of 1952. The list however remained a clear minority.

Within the CVP in Doel there were two Catholic factions who competed for influence and popularity. This political rupture caused a split in cultural life by the establishment of two music bands, linked firmly to one of these two factions (Francis de Sales and Saint Cecilia).

These two factions both participated in the local elections which where held once every six years. Even though these two groups faced each other, they where both part of the CVP.

The catholic electoral list connected with the music band Francis de Sales was led by Edmond Jonckheere, a local celebrity as he was mayor of the village from 1933 until his death in 1958.  

After World War II, the old class system still ruled  Doel. The most important opponent of mayor Jonkheere, was dike warden Henri Weemaes, the leading man of the polder board.  Definitely, there was a distinct social hierarchy within the village community.

Nonetheless, the inhabitants of Doel where no mere passive actors in local political issues. One of the main debating issues was the so called Second School War of the 1950’s which was a fundamental debate concerning the public funding of public/municipal schools and free (catholic) schools.

Doel fought its own local school war. Due to the declining population, either the municipal or either the catholic school should close. After a fierce campaign, the municipal school won the plea.

Election day was heyday in Doel. It lasted from dawn until dusk. In the preceding weeks campaigners went from door to door to persuade the people of Doel to vote for “the right guys”.

The village used a special way of announcing the results of the election. Every time the CVP won a seat an empty beer bottle was placed upon the windowsill so everyone would know.

In 1958 a unified CVP list was formed to counterbalance the election campaign of the socialist BSP. The CVP list was led by Jozef Herman, former principal of the municipal school.

The CVP won election day overwhelmingly with 860 against 74 votes. The expected catholic victory ensured Jozef Herman to be mayor for six years.

Despite the competing factions, important political issues and the strict social hierarchy, the atmosphere in Doel remained friendly.  They all sat and drank together in the local pubs in the village.