Birthdays
In the Schoonveld family, birthdays were always very important. Uncles and aunts would gather at the birthday party – the living rooms were usually not very big – and there was a lot of chatter. Aunt Elly describes in Gronings…
Rudy
Baking bread on a stick (baguettes) on Ameland
In the summer, the family went to Ameland, where they had unforgettable holidays in the Martha cottage and tents. Greetje remembers the sunny days on the beach, the treasure hunts and the endless queues at the campsite sanitary facilities. The nostalgia of the island brings back warm memories: the cozy atmosphere, the adventures with cousins and the special moments with grandpa Willem. Discover how these holidays strengthened the family ties and anchored the magic of Ameland in their hearts forever. Read on for more stories and memories of the Schoonveld family!
Cooking lesson for men
Men from previous generations of Schoonveld are not known for experimenting with food. The anecdote goes that Grandpa Willem stayed with us on Ameland. He was used to getting brown beans on Mondays. My mother was not averse to teasing…
Time flies
Daniel: When I was about 8 years old, I went on one of the famous Plas bike rides with my grandparents. I don’t remember exactly where we went and there are different stories about how it went, but we…
Rocket trip to America
Be surprised by the poem from Elly Schoonveld, written for a festive occasion, featuring recognizable characters like Martje who is afraid of flying and Harm who knows everything about biking. This is an invitation to learn more about our family and the unique moments that connect us.
25 years ago
Today marks 25 years since our father Johannes Schoonveld passed away. We still miss him often. We want to ask him things, we miss his support. Yesterday, when I visited Uncle Harke, he spoke several times about his older brother…
Railroad crossing warden
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.
Medal for Bravery
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.
Working in the American heat
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.
Seasick 2
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.