Stories
The ancestors of our families mainly worked as farm laborers or casual workers. Although there are not many stories left from earlier generations, there are a few beautiful tales that we can share. One of the oldest stories is about my great-grandfather, Lange Willem Schoonveld, who lived on a Groningen farm in the 19th century. It beautifully describes life on a farm during that time, especially the hard winter work, such as threshing grain, which left a lasting impression on me.
Additionally, there is the family story of Antonides, where we get to know the lives of Johannes and IJnskje Antonides as a foreman at the railways and a level crossing operator at the end of the 19th century. The story of my uncle Piet, who fell as a young soldier in the Dutch East Indies, was the reason for setting up this website. I find it fascinating to read about how the Dutch viewed their colony and its inhabitants in the past. Lastly, there is the story of Alex Berry, a “what if…” tale about what would have happened if my grandfather Hendrik Schoonveld had not emigrated to California.
In a family of agricultural workers, few stories have been preserved from more than one or two generations back. We try to collect them, if they exist at all. From the family, we have been able to gather a few beautiful stories.
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Master hand long Willem Schoonveld, a story by Eppo Wigboldus from 1920 about life on a Groningen farm around 1865.
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Family notes Antonides, a story from Wiebe Antonides in 1962 about the life of his father Auke Antonides, foreman at the railways from about 1890 to 1940, and further family. Lysbeth Antonides, a sister of Auke, was married to Willem Schoonveld.
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- Pieter Schoonveld (1924-1948) was my uncle who left for the Dutch East Indies as a war volunteer after a period of hiding during World War II. He was killed there during the so-called Second Police Action in 1948.
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The Life of Hendrik Schoonveld, a story written by Alex Berry in 2002, that describes the life of his great-grandfather who emigrated to Chicago around 1900.
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- During our family reunion in Ten Boer in 2012, Aunt Co, Jacoba Smit-Schoonveld, gave a speech about her parental family, Willem Schoonveld and Lysbeth Antonides.
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Rescuer
Collega Schoonveld raakte betrokken bij een reddingsoperatie terwijl hij op weg naar zijn werk was. Bij de Zuiderhaven ontdekte hij twee drenkelingen in het water. Met behulp van een touw en andere omstanders slaagden ze erin de slachtoffers te redden voordat de politie arriveerde. Na afloop besefte hij de ernst van de situatie.
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
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
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
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.
Opa Willem in America
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!
Seasick
In 1961, Grandpa Willem embarked on a memorable journey to America, eager to reunite with his sons, grandchildren, and Aunt Annie. However, his excitement was tempered by the challenges of language barriers and seasickness during the long boat trip. In a heartfelt letter to Aunt Pilke, he expressed his frustrations and longing for home.