The words and music of the Aalten anthem were written and composed in 1935 by Johan Herman Janssen (16 February 1896 – 21 November 1966). Janssen was born in Varsseveld and moved at the age of fourteen with his parents to the Hiedtuunte farm in Lintelo. He later lived in Doesburg.
Among other things, Janssen worked as a police officer, photographer, laundry manager, organ builder and carillon builder. He played trumpet, piano, organ and accordion. He also wrote revues and operettas and performed as ‘Het boertje uut den Achterhoek’ (‘The Little Farmer from the Achterhoek’). Besides the Aalten anthem, Janssen also wrote and composed the local anthems of Doesburg, Heelweg and Westendorp.
The Aalten anthem is sometimes sung to the melody of the Gelderland anthem. Although that also sounds very fine, according to our sources it is not the correct melody.
Music and lyrics
Where the old Slinge brook flows through a quiet little town,
where a rolling landscape of hills gives us a splendid view,
where the shining countryside is praised by everyone,
there in the old Graafschap lies the town called Aalten.
there in the old Graafschap lies the town called Aalten.
Where at Loohuis and the Wolboom nature smiles upon us,
where Walfort reminds us of generations gone before,
where no ‘No Entry’ sign disturbs the walker’s eye,
that is Aalten, known by many as their favourite place.
that is Aalten, known by many as their favourite place.
Where the industrious people still go cheerfully about their work,
where hospitality has long been regarded as a duty of honour,
where neighbours still lend a hand in joy as well as sorrow,
that is ever-praised Aalten, the little town I never forget,
that is ever-praised Aalten, the little town I never forget.
