Discover the fascinating history of the lives of remarkable ancestors like Johannes Antonides and his wife IJnskjen. Learn how their lives were intertwined with the railroads and the challenges of constant moving. Meet the calm grandfather and the adventurous grandmother, who never settled and was always in search of new horizons. Let yourself be carried away by the stories of the watchpost in Oosthem and the memories of cousin Wiebe Antonides, who still hears the sounds of trains echoing in his ears.
Pieter Schoonveld, a name that resonates with bravery and sacrifice, was just a photo in our family album until we learned his story. Volunteering for military service in 1945, he found himself in Indonesia during the tumultuous Indonesian War of Independence. His letters reveal a poignant longing for home and the struggles he faced. Tragically, he became a hero posthumously, awarded the Bronze Lion for his exceptional courage in combat. Discover the remarkable journey of Uncle Piet, his valor, and the legacy he left behind, as we delve into the Schoonveld family history and the impact of his sacrifice.
Discover the boat journey of Grandpa Willem in his diary from May 1961. He sails on the SS Maasdam, which departed from Rotterdam on May 19, 1961. Touching moments during the trip to America, from the beautiful views along the English and Irish coast to encounters with fellow passengers. Until the sea became rough and Grandpa got seasick. That’s where the diary ends.
Brother Hans sent me a letter that Opa Willem wrote to us in 1961, sharing his experiences and thoughts during a hot summer. He talks about the challenges of adjusting to the heat, the busy life of Klaas, and the construction of a new house surrounded by beautiful oak trees. Opa's stories bring back memories of family, hard work, and the little joys of life. From mouse traps to flower boxes, his letter captures the essence of our family's history. Join me as we delve into Opa's heartfelt words and the memories they evoke.
On Monday we had a Memorial Service for Aukje Schoonveld. You can watch te service at https://kerkdienstgemist.nl/stations/2524/events/recording/174281400002524
Her husband, Gerrit Borst, held the following eulogy for his dear Aukje
On a Saturday in the fall of 1966, when I was 8 years old, my father told me that we would be moving to America. The preparations were already underway, but the adventure truly began with our journey on the SS Statendam. From Rotterdam to New York, with stops in Le Havre and Southampton, it was a week filled with excitement and seasickness. Upon arriving in New York, with the Statue of Liberty in sight, my brothers and I were nervous and full of expectations. What awaited us in this new country? Discover our story of emigration, adaptation, and new experiences!
On Sunday, March 16, as evening fell, the life of a remarkable woman came to an end; she brought color to her surroundings. You are invited to attend the funeral gathering for Aukje on March 24th. It will be held…
Opa Willem in America describes his adventures after a long journey across the ocean. After a beautiful start on the boat, his experience turns into a struggle with seasickness and homesickness. Upon arriving in New York, he is overwhelmed by the beauty of the city and nature. His trip to Buffalo and the impressive Niagara Falls leaves him in awe of the vastness of the country. As he adapts to life in America, he shares his observations on agriculture, culture, and the challenges of the language. Discover his unique perspective on life in a new country!
SLOWLY IT DAWNED ON HIM. The conductor on the train from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Kitchener, Ontario, was calling out his name. He had a scary thought—if after four years of studying English in the Netherlands, he could not even recognize his own name, how was he ever going to understand anything in this new country? But here he was, 18 years of age, getting off the train in the middle of the night at one of the tiniest railroad stations he had ever seen—where people spoke English. Uncle Arts journey was just beginning, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
The earthquakes in Groningen have also affected our family. Johan and Frannie Schoonveld have been living in a beautiful craftsman's house in Slochteren since 1977, which was built in 1902. However, since 2014, they have been experiencing not only minor tremors; the damage to their home is significant. From sinking floors to cracks in the walls, the consequences are evident. Discover how they have addressed the damage, their plans for the future, and their hope for a sustainable restoration of their beloved home. Read on to learn more about their story and the impact of the earthquakes on their lives.
