Old Aalten

Tag: Farm

  • Neerhof

    Neerhof

    Elshoekweg 6, Dale

    Elshoekweg 6, Dale (Neerhof)
    Photo: G. Schreurs, 2024

    ‘Neerhof’ is an ancient farmstead located in the rural district of Dale in Aalten. Many people who carry the surname Neerhof today—including descendants of emigrants in the US and Canada—can trace their roots back to this place. There is even a Facebook group they can join: I’m a Neerhof.

    The last Neerhofs to live there left the farm in the second half of the 19th century. Since then, the farm has been occupied (primarily) by the Houwers family. The original farmhouse is gone; the current house was built in 1893.

    Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog herbergde de familie Houwers onderduikers. Eén van deze onderduikers, een Franse onderofficier uit de Pyreneeën, stuurde hen na de oorlog nog een brief.

    Fun fact: There is a street in Canada named ‘Neerhof Lane’.

    Archives

    Judicial Archive of Bredevoort

    Tuesday, 6 February 1616: Statholder Joannes ter Woert, assessors Jan ten Berge, Henrick Menekinck, Peter Cloeck.

    Margin note: Anno 1629, 19 January, Jenneken Neerhave declared this to be redeemed. Therefore, void.

    Appeared Jan Filette and Enneken Huijsinck, spouses, who declared for themselves and their heirs that for a received and well-paid sum of money, they sold a yearly pension to Juerden ten Neerhave and Jenneken, spouses, and their heirs: three dalers (per daler calculated at thirty stuivers, per stuiver at fifteen placken). Payable annually on Candlemas, first due on Candlemas 1617. Pledging as security their estate Hoff ant Benninck Vehne, along with house and yard within Bredevoort, and all their movable and immovable goods, to recover the aforementioned yearly pension along with costs and damages by distraint according to land law. With the right reserved to redeem the pension annually by giving one quarter’s notice, and then on Candlemas (Purification of Mary), fourteen days before or after without delay, by paying the sum of fifty dalers of the aforementioned currency. This ceded and issued, and renounced by hand and word; guarantee, better written deed, and confirmation promised. All under penalty of distraint as prescribed, without exception or deceit.

    Wednesday, 19 February 1617: Statholder Herman van Munster, assessors Johan Nachtegaell, Herman Steinrot, Peter Evertz.

    Appeared Bernt Huijninck and Enneken Snijders, spouses, who declared for themselves and their heirs that for a well-paid sum of money, by right of perpetual and irrevocable inheritance, they have transferred and sold to Joerden ten Neerhave and Jenneken, spouses, and their heirs, a piece of land, of approximately three schepelsaet, on the Aelter Ess, situated with one side bordering land now belonging to the purchaser, Mechtelt Snijders, and with the other side bordering the common road, with one end bordering Peter Martens’ land, and the other end stretching to the Barlschen Heelwech, with its appurtenances and rights, free of all encumbrances. This inherited, ceded and issued, and renounced by hand, straw, and word; guarantee, better written deed, and hereditary confirmation promised according to land law, by hypothecation of their goods. Without exception or deceit.

    Saturday, 10 January 1618: Drost and Judge Gosswin van Lawick, assessors Henrick Menekinck, Jan ten Berge.

    Appeared Gerrit Gijsberts, gatekeeper in Bredevoort and Mechtelt Snijders, spouses, who declared for themselves and their heirs that for a well-paid sum of money, they transferred and sold by right of perpetual and irrevocable inheritance to Joerden ten Neerhave and Jenneken, spouses, and their heirs, a piece of arable land of approximately two moldersaet, called Snijders Stucke, on the Aelter Ess, bounded on one side by the Nonhaver Cruijss plot and on the other side by land belonging to the purchaser, with one end bordering Peter Marten’s land and the other end stretching to the Barlschen wech, with its appurtenances and rights, free of all encumbrances, reserving to the Hoff ten Ahave the tenth sheaf. This inherited, ceded and issued, and renounced by hand, straw, and word; guarantee, better written deed, and hereditary confirmation promised according to land law. Without exception or deceit.

    Wednesday, 29 March 1620: Statholder Herman van Munster, assessors Herman Steinrotz, Lenardt van Elverfelt, Peter Evertss.

    Appeared Peter Evertz and Margareta Mächtes, spouses, who declared for themselves and their heirs that for a well-paid sum of money, they transferred and sold by right of perpetual and irrevocable inheritance to Joerden ten Neerhave and Henricke ten Ruell Geesken, spouses, and their heirs, a piece of land previously purchased from the Marcke, with its ditches, embankments, and boundaries, situated in the parish of Aalten, district of Lintell, in the Aelter Hemell, with one end stretching to the Kortbeker Maet, with its appurtenances and rights, free of all encumbrances, reserving the lord’s taxes as may be assessed upon it. This inherited, ceded and issued, and renounced by hand, straw, and word; guarantee, better written deed, and hereditary confirmation promised according to land law, by pledging the sellers’ goods. Without exception or deceit.

    Appeared Willem ten Brincke and Marrie, spouses, who declared for themselves and their heirs that for a well-paid sum of money, they transferred and sold by right of perpetual and irrevocable inheritance to Joerden ten Neerhave and Jenneken, spouses, and their heirs, a piece of land of approximately one Moldergeseijs on the Aelter Esch, bounded on one side by Ebbert Wever’s land and on the other side by Geerdte Lock’s land, in its borders and boundaries, with one end stretching to the Heelwech and the other end to Hoeneper Landt, with all its old and new appurtenances and rights, free of all encumbrances. This ceded and issued, and renounced by hand, straw, and word; guarantee, better written deed, and hereditary confirmation promised according to land law, under hypothecation of the sellers’ goods. Without objection or deceit.

    Verpondingskohier (Land Tax Register), 1647

    Neerhof, Geestelick. Huis, hof 3 sp. voor 8 dlr. 12 – 0 -.
    Boulant 10 mdr. 3de gerf 11 sch. afg. blijft 68 – 4 -.

    5 Mtr. gesaeis, Jorden Neerhof, hier gaet af 1½ sch. an Kerck, blijft 4 mdr. 2½ sch. 38 – 10 – 8.
    An de Kerck te Aelten 2 dlr. 3 – 0 -.
    Een stuck groen lants in Lintel gelegen van 3 voeder hoij gewass of 2 koeweidens 9 – 0 -.

    Liberal Gift 1748

    Below is a fragment from this tax register mentioning Hendrik Neerhof and Janna Eppink, as well as their son Rosier Neerhof and his wife Beerndeken Beestman. They declared under oath that their assets amounted to 1800 and 700 guilders respectively and paid their taxes duly.

    Immediately below it is noted that the couple Hindrik ter Beek and Lisebeth op den Heuvel lived ‘in Neerhofs Spikker’ (or ‘Spieker’). They possessed less than 500 guilders but evidently paid a voluntary contribution.

    Dale 20, Neerhof, Liberal Gift 1748

    Owners

    This overview is incomplete.

    YearPlotOwnerDescription
    1832C-297Domains2.160 m² house, shed & yard
    1876C-297Arent Jan Houwers, farmer2.160 m² house, shed & yard

    Residents

    First known residents:

    J(oe/o/ue)rden ten Neerhave (Dale – Dale < 1664)
    Jenneken (Cremer?) (Dale)

    J(oe/o/ue)rden was a farmer at Neerhof in 1650 (Land Tax Register, original register).

    Child:

    1. Salike Nerhofs (Dale), married Wendel Brunsinck in Dinxperlo in 1664

    Next residents:

    Hendrik Neerhof (? – < 04-1697)
    ⚭ ca. 1654
    Deve (Eva) te Gantvoort (? – > 03-1697), this was her second marriage

    On 29 March 1697, Deven Neerhoff, widow of Hendrick Neerhoff, appeared before the statholder in Bredevoort with all her children “born of her first and second marriage”. The children, therefore, evidently came from two of the mother’s marriages. Who the first husband was, we do not know.

    Voor zover bekend was Deve het enige kind van Thoebe te Hondorp genannt Gantvoort en Lotte te Welpshof. Deve was erfgenaam van het goed Gantvoort en haar kinderen dus ook. Het document beschrijft hoe Deve en zeven kinderen hun erfdeel in het goed Gantvoort verkopen aan het achtste kind en (half-)zuster Hendersken en haar man Wander Nijhof.

    (Step)children:

    1. Hendersken Neerhof (ca. 1655), ⚭ (1) 1679 Aalten Lubbert Luiten, (2) 1682 Warner Nijhof op Nijhof in Barlo
    2. Jenneken / Jannetie Neerhof (Bredevoort, bap. Jan. 1658 – < 1700), ⚭ 1693 Aalten Antonij ten Hietbrink, they left for Amsterdam
    3. Geertjen Neerhof (ca. 1662), ⚭ 1684 Aalten Hendrik ter Sligt op Gantvoort in Barlo
    4. Derck Neerhof (Bredevoort, bap. May 1665), ⚭ 1694 Aalten Wendele in ’t Heegt
    5. Geert Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 04-10-1668), ⚭ 1702 Aalten Geesken Hoopmans, they left for Varsseveld
    6. Thobe Neerhof alias Tolkamp (Dale – Barlo, 1720/1721), ⚭ 1694 Aalten Geesken Nieuwhof op Tolkamp in Barlo
    7. Hendrik Neerhof alias Hondorp alias Lijsen, ⚭ 1690 Aalten Grietjen Lijsen op Liezen in Dale
    8. Antonij / Tonis Neerhof alias Vrieseler (Aalten, bap. 02-04-1671 – < 1760), ⚭ 1705 Bocholt Schwantgen Frieselaer (Swenneken Vrieseler), they lived at the Haesencamp in Silvolde from 1707 onwards (source)

    Next residents, son and daughter-in-law:

    Derck Neerhof (Bredevoort, bap. mei 1665)
    ⚭ 18-11-1694 Aalten
    Wendele aan ’t Heeght (Aalten, bap. 02-12-1666)

    Children:

    1. Hendrik Neerhof (1695 – 1763), ⚭ 1717 Janna Eppink
    2. Dersken Neerhof (1697 – 1719)
    3. Janna Neerhof (1700 – ?)
    4. Eva Neerhof (1697 – 1719)
    5. Jan Neerhof (Buunk) (1700 – 1787), ⚭ 1724 Berentje Buunk op Beunk in Lintelo

    Next residents, son and daughter-in-law:

    Hendrik Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 27-11-1695 – Dale, 25-02-1763)
    ⚭ 23-05-1717 Aalten
    Janna Eppink (Aalten, bap. 21-11-1697 – Dale, 16-01-1787)

    Children:

    1. Rosier Neerhof (Dale, 15-03-1719 – Aalten, 21-09-1783), ⚭ 1745 Beerndeken Beestman
    2. Eva Neerhof (1721 – ?)
    3. Jan Hendrik Neerhof (Wiggers) (1723 – 1811), ⚭ 1743 Beerndeke Wichers op Wiechers in Dale
    4. Willem Neerhof (1725 – < 1738)
    5. Mette Neerhof (1726 – ?)
    6. Derk Neerhof (1731 – 1811), ⚭ 1763 Elisabeth Mekkink op Mekkink in IJzerlo
    7. Willemina Neerhof (1733 – 1765), ⚭ 1752 Warner Weggelaar
    8. Gerrit Jan Neerhof (1735 – 1804), ⚭ 1767 Anna Geertruit Aarnink
    9. Willem Neerhof (1738 – 1775), ⚭ 1767 Hendersken Deunk
    10. Geert Neerhof (1741 – ?)

    Next residents, son and daughter-in-law:

    Rosier Neerhof (Dale, 15-03-1719 – Aalten, 21-09-1783)
    ⚭ 30-09-1745 Aalten
    Beerndeken Beestman (Haart, 22-11-1722 – Aalten, 21-05-1765), d.v. Jan te Beest en Willemke Stortelers

    Children:

    1. Johanna (Janna) Neerhof (Aalten, ged. 27-11-1746 – Wisch, 04-04-1828), ⚭ 1775 Wander Eppink
    2. Derk Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 08-06-1749 – < 1751)
    3. Derk Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 16-05-1751 – Aalten, 21-03-1839), ⚭ 1785 Jenneken Meijnen
    4. Willemina Neerhof (Dale, 03-02-1754 – Barlo, 24-06-1814), ⚭ 1785 Willem Lankhof
    5. Gerritje Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 28-02-1756 – < 1759)
    6. Gerrit Jan Neerhof (1757)
    7. Gerritjen Neerhof (1759 – 1828), ⚭ 1787 Garrit Jan Houwers
    8. Hendrik Jan Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 04-11-1764 – Aalten, 14-01-1808), ⚭ Harmina Elferink

    Next residents, son and daughter-in-law:

    Population register 1823-1850

    “Neerhof”

    Dale 20

    Derk Neerhof (Aalten, bap. 16-05-1751 – Aalten, 21-03-1839), farmer
    ⚭ 05-06-1785 Aalten
    Jenneken Meijnen (Lichtenvoorde, bap. 28-03-1766 – Aalten, 18-04-1839)

    Children:

    1. Berendeken Neerhof (07-11-1786)
    2. Reintjen Neerhof (13-12-1787)
    3. Barend Hendrik Neerhof (29-04-1789 – Dale, May/June 1789)
    4. Berendje Neerhof (05-05-1790), ⚭ 1831 Jan Hendrik Rots
    5. Rosier Neerhof (06-02-1792), ⚭ (1) 1821 Dela Wiggers, (2) 1825 Janna Geertruid Kleuvers
    6. Aleijda Neerhof (26-01-1794), ⚭ 1837 Gerrit Hendrik Ruesink > Essink
    7. Hendrik Jan Neerhof (08-03-1796), ⚭ 1843 Hendrika Gerritsen > De Stegge
    8. Berent Hendrik Neerhof (13-12-1797 – 06-04-1862), remained unmarried
    9. Willemina Neerhof (26-11-1799)
    10. Derk Willem Neerhof (19-12-1802), ⚭ 1834 Johanna ten Brinke
    11. Garrit Jan Neerhof (01-12-1804), ⚭ 1828 Grada te Stroete
    12. Willemina Neerhof (11-8-1806)
    13. Willem Neerhof (02-02-1810), ⚭ 1842 Engelina Heusinkveld > Krieger (Saalmans)

    Population register 1850-1860

    Dale 16

    Derk Willem Neerhof (Dale, 19-12-1802 – Dale, 18-04-1856), farmer
    ⚭ 12-09-1834, Aalten
    Johanna ten Brinke (Miste, 23-08-1811 – Dale, 23-02-1857)

    Children:

    1. NN Neerhof (Dale, 16-11-1834), stillborn
    2. Roelof Neerhof (Dale, 01-12-1835 – Dale, 27-04-1856), unmarried
    3. Dora Harmina Neerhof (Dale, 03-10-1838 – Dale, 06-03-1855), unmarried
    4. Gerrit Jan Neerhof (Dale, 07-12-1841 – Dale, 17-01-1864), unmarried
    5. Derk Jan Neerhof (Dale, 09-07-1844 – Sheboygan/USA, 20-11-1905), ⚭ 1868 Grada Jentink
    6. Jan Hendrik Neerhof (Dale, 04-05-1847 – Wisconsin/USA, 16-07-1927)
    7. NN Neerhof (Dale, 28-03-1850), stillborn
    8. Hendrik Jan Neerhof (Dale, 20-05-1851 – USA, 1890)

    Population register 1860-1870

    Dale 16

    1. Gerrit Jan Neerhof head (Dale, 07-12-1841 – Dale, 17-01-1864), farmer
    2. Derk Jan Neerhof brother (Dale, 09-07-1844 – Sheboygan/USA, 20-11-1905), ⚭ 1868 Grada Jentink *
    3. Jan Hendrik Neerhof brother (Dale, 04-05-1847 – Wisconsin/USA, 16-07-1927) *
    4. Hendrik Jan Neerhof brother (Dale, 20-05-1851 – USA, 1890) *
    5. Berend Hendrik Neerhof oom (Aalten, 13-12-1797 – Dale, 06-04-1862)
    6. Berentjen Heusinkveld employed (Aalten, 31-03-1828)
    7. Dela Johanna Neerhof in dienst (Dale, 06-02-1843), dochter van Willem Neerhof en Engelina Heusinkveld op Krieger. Zij is dus een nicht van de vier eerstgenoemde broers *
    8. Janna Willemina Hengeveld employed (Dale, 06-12-1836)
    9. Hendrika Aleida Westerveld employed (Aalten, 27-12-1840 – 03-06-1868) *

    * Zij vertrekken (vermoedelijk in het voorjaar van 1868) naar Haart 19 (Lievers) en in 1869 naar Amerika. Tegelijkertijd verhuist het pasgetrouwde echtpaar Houwers van Lievers naar Neerhof.

    Next residents:

    Arent Jan Houwers (Dale, 28-04-1824 – Dale, 28-10-1880), farmer
    ⚭ 02-04-1868, Aalten
    Grada Aleida Ormel (De Heurne, 13-10-1843 – Dale, 12-04-1875)

    Population register 1870-1880

    Dale 3

    Arent Jan Houwers (Dale, 28-04-1824 – Dale, 28-10-1880), farmer
    Grada Aleida Ormel (De Heurne, 13-10-1843 – Dale, 12-04-1875)

    Population register 1880-1890

    Dale 3

    Arent Jan Houwers (Dale, 28-04-1824 – 28-10-1880), farmer

    Children:

    1. Aleida Gesina Houwers (Dale, 25-09-1868) > Dale 42 (De Heurne)
    2. Johanna Aleida Houwers (Dale, 27-11-1869) > Dale 42 (De Heurne)
    3. Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1872) > Dale 23 (Vervelde)

    Following their father’s death, the three orphans were taken in by relatives on other farms (as noted below). ‘Bouwplaats Het Neerhof’ was to be let out for the time being:

    The following residents came from Wisch in early 1881:

    Evert Scheffer (Rheden, 23-09-1839), clog maker
    Hermina Hofs (Varsseveld, 12-06-1853)

    Children:

    1. Herman Johan Scheffer (Varsseveld, 08-03-1869)
    2. Dina Johanna Scheffer (Varsseveld, 09-02-1871)
    3. Mina Scheffer (Varsseveld, 06-07-1873)
    4. Grada Johanna Scheffer (Wisch, 02-07-1875)
    5. Hendrika Geertruida Scheffer (Dale, 07-10-1886)
    6. Johanna Louise Scheffer (Dale, 02-09-1888)

    Population register 1890-1900

    Dale 4

    Evert Scheffer (Rheden, 23-09-1839), clog maker
    Hermina Hofs (Varsseveld, 12-06-1853)

    Children:

    1. Herman Johan Scheffer (Varsseveld, 08-03-1869)
    2. Dina Johanna Scheffer (Varsseveld, 09-02-1871)
    3. Mina Scheffer (Varsseveld, 06-07-1873)
    4. Grada Johanna Scheffer (Wisch, 02-07-1875)
    5. Hendrika Geertruida Scheffer (Dale, 07-10-1886)
    6. Johanna Louise Scheffer (Dale, 02-09-1888)

    Zij vertrekken in 1890 naar Dale 109 (Smees).

    Next residents:

    Jan Willem Westerveld hoofd (Dale, 26-11-1857), farmer
    Grada Johanna te Hennepe vrouw (Heurne, 14-09-1864)

    Child:

    1. Berend Westerveld (Aalten, 04-04-1891)

    After this, J.H.W. Houwers, now an adult, returned to his childhood home:

    Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1872), farmer
    ⚭ 27-08-1897, Borculo
    Geertruida Esselink (Borculo, 02-07-1871)

    Children:

    1. Grada Aleida Houwers (Dale, 01-08-1898)
    2. Gerrit Houwers (Dale, 17-09-1899), ⚭ 1926 Hanna Gesina Neerhof

    Population register 1900-1910

    Dale 6 > 13

    Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1872), farmer
    (1) Geertruida Esselink (Borculo, 02-07-1871 – 06-12-1902)

    Children:

    1. Grada Aleida Houwers (Dale, 01-08-1898)
    2. Gerrit Houwers (Dale, 17-09-1899), ⚭ 1926 Hanna Gesina Neerhof
    3. Drika Gesina Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1901 – Aalten, 01-08-1902)
    4. Arend Jan Houwers (Dale, 06-03-1902 – Aalten, 12-07-1902)

    Following Geertruida’s death, J.H.W. remarried on 27 June 1907 in Aalten to
    (2) Johanna Geertruida te Bokkel (Dale, 08-10-1875)

    Children:

    1. Geertruida Everdina Houwers (Dale, 21-06-1908)
    2. Grada Houwers (Dale, 06-12-1909)

    Population register 1910-1920

    Dale 13 > 15

    Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1872), farmer
    Johanna Geertruida te Bokkel (Dale, 08-10-1875)

    Population register 1920-1930

    Dale 15 > 21

    Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1872)
    Johanna Geertruida te Bokkel (Dale, 08-10-1875)

    Children:

    1. Grada Aleida Houwers (Dale, 01-08-1898)
    2. Gerrit Houwers (Dale, 17-09-1899), ⚭ 1926 Hanna Gesina Neerhof
    3. Geertruida Everdina Houwers (Dale, 21-06-1908)
    4. Grada Houwers (Dale, 06-12-1909)
    5. Dina Houwers (Dale, 05-05-1911)
    6. Johanna Houwers (Dale, 04-02-1914)
    7. Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 24-11-1915)
    8. Hendrika Houwers (Dale, 08-09-1917)

    Population register 1930-1940

    Dale 15 > 21

    Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 30-04-1872)
    Johanna Geertruida te Bokkel (Dale, 08-10-1875)

    Children:

    1. Geertruida Everdina Houwers (Dale, 21-06-1908)
    2. Johanna Houwers (Dale, 04-02-1914)
    3. Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 24-11-1915)
    4. Hendrika Houwers (Dale, 08-09-1917)

    Phone directory 1958

    Neerhof, Dale 21 - Phone directory 1958

    Address directory 1967

    “Neerhof”

    Dale 21 > Elshoekweg 6

    Jan Hendrik Wessel Houwers (Dale, 24-11-1915)

    Features

    Cadastral no.L-1028
    FunctionFarmhouse
    Year of construction1893
    Listedno

    Sources

    Neerhof, Elshoekweg 6, Dale
    Neerhof, Elshoekweg 6, Dale
    Elshoekweg 6, Dale (Neerhof) – Fragment cadastral map, 1876
    Fragment cadastral map, 1876
    Neerhof-Nonhof, cadastral map (1930)
    Cadastral map, 1930

    History

    In the rural district of Dale, there was once the manorial estate known as Neerhof. Here is a piece of history about ‘t Neerhof that we found in a booklet:

    “When the Saxons were subjugated by the Franks and Charlemagne became the landowner, he established Frankish landholdings where the ‘schout’ or ‘scholte’—the lord’s representative—would reside. They were responsible for collecting taxes, and the Saxon farmers became subservient to the lord’s ‘hof’ (court/estate).

    In every district of Aalten, we find an old, distinguished estate, all of which strongly suggest that they share the aforementioned origin. In the past, all these farmsteads were surrounded by a moat. Each farmstead is situated on the edge of an ‘es’ (es-land) in such a way that the latter extends around it, virtually in the shape of a half-moon, so that the ‘Hof’ forms the centre. This indicates that the large-scale cultivation of the essen must have originated from the ‘Hof’ and was continued progressively further outwards.

    De Aaltense Es is eigenlijk de es van de boerschap Dale (= laagte). Hij ligt binnen een halve cirkel met een straal van ongeveer twee kilometer om Havezathe de Pol, met deze als middelpunt.

    Nu doet zich nog de merkwaardige omstandigheid voor, dat wij in Dale nog twee aan elkaar grenzende goederen vinden, ‘Nonhof’ en ‘Neerhof’ geheten. Beide hoeven liggen vrij ver van de Ahof ‘de Pol’ verwijderd, maar dit is duidelijk als we de ligging en uitgestrektheid van Dale in aanmerking nemen; deze hoeven konden rustig in het lager gelegen westen van Dale hun plaatsen innemen. Hier zouden ook ordebroeders en ordezusters hebben gewoond.

    In the past, the Neerhof and Nonhof estates belonged to the St. Antonie vicarage, which was established in the Aalten Church. Later, they became domains of the sovereign.

    According to some, the name is derived from ‘d’n Heerhof’, which merged into ‘de Neerhof’.

    At the beginning of the 17th century, we also encounter the spelling ‘Neerhave’.

    Bredevoort Judicial Archives, voluntary deeds, 29 March 1697 – Deve Neerhof
    Bredevoort Judicial Archives, voluntary deeds, 29 March 1697
    Quartering of soldiers on farms in Dale, 1st Regiment, 1748–1749
    In 1748, five soldiers were billeted at Neerhof.
    Cadastral plot C297, 'Erve Neerhoff', 1875 – Land registry entry
    Excerpt from the land registry entry, 1876
    Neerhof, Dale – Nieuwe Vlaardingsche Courant, 25 August 1888
    Nieuwe Vlaardingsche Courant, 25 August 1888
    Graafschapbode, 31 August 1889 – Farmstead Neerhof for rent
    Graafschapbode, 31 August 1889
    Elshoekweg 6, Dale (Neerhof) – Excerpt from the land registry entry, 1960
    Excerpt from the land registry entry, 1960
  • Leonard Roelvink, LL.M.

    Leonard Roelvink, LL.M.

    Mayor (1861–1886)

    Leonard Roelvink was born on 30 April 1833, the son of Arnoldus Florentinus Roelvink, Mayor of Aalten, and Elzabé Maria Theodora ten Cate. On 14 November 1870, he married Christina Paschen in Winterswijk, where she had been born on 27 March 1848.

    Leonard Roelvink, mayor of Aalten 1861–1886

    In 1857, Roelvink published his legal dissertation under the title Theses juridicae inaugurales with the publishing house Post Uiterweer in Utrecht. Four years later, in 1861, he succeeded his father as Mayor of the municipality of Aalten.

    Roelvink lived in the villa at ’t Zand in Bredevoort, which is known today as Sint Bernardus. Every day, he travelled to Aalten by carriage, just as his father had done before him. He was fiercely opposed to the arrival of the railway line to Aalten, fearing that his horses would be startled by the “steaming train monster”.

    Leonard Roelvink passed away from a stroke on 3 March 1886. The municipal council was just about to meet and was waiting for the arrival of its chairman when a doctor came to break the sad news of his passing. He was buried at the old cemetery on Prins Mauritsstraat in Bredevoort.

    Following his death, six prominent residents of Aalten addressed a letter to the Minister of the Interior. They took the opportunity to express their concerns regarding what they considered to be administrative malpractice within the municipality, which they attributed to the policies—or lack thereof—of the deceased mayor. In their letter, they explicitly stated that they did not wish to influence the appointment of a new mayor, but at the same time indicated that, in their view, “the dismal state of affairs” in Aalten was partly due to the fact that the office had passed from father to son. Among other things, they complained of deficient education, poor roads, excessive alcohol consumption, and unlawful child labour. The six men pleaded for the appointment of a strong successor who could restore order. Their grievances were taken seriously by both the Minister and the King’s Commissioner.

    Roelvink was succeeded as Mayor of Aalten by Johan Hora Adema.

    Sources

  • Gerard Tebroke

    Gerard Tebroke

    Gerhardus Franciscus (Gerard) Tebroke was born on 9 November 1949 in Aalten, the second child in a family of four sons and one daughter. His parents, Hendrik Bernard Tebroke (1912–1987) and Grada Johanna Bijvank (born 1916), both came from Eibergen, where they had married in 1944. Gerard passed away unmarried on 19 March 1995.

    As a child, Gerard Tebroke from Aalten was so stiff that he was exempted from gymnastics classes in primary school. Nevertheless, he became one of the best Dutch athletes ever in the 5,000-metre and 10,000-metre events.

    Tebroke achieved many successes, but because he often pushed his body too hard during training, he was frequently injured and missed important sporting events, such as the Olympic Games in 1972 and 1976. However, his speed for that era was unprecedented. He held the Dutch record in the 10,000 metres for over 18 years and in the 5,000 metres for more than 22 years.

    In 1982, he decided to bid farewell to the sport. He retreated to a small farm in Silvolde with his dog and sheep, leading a reclusive life. Gerard Tebroke passed away in 1995 at the age of 45. Since then, the biennial Gerard Tebroke Memorialloop (a memorial run) has been held in Aalten as a tribute to him.

    Gerard Tebroke (1975)
    Gerard Tebroke, Dutch Champion 5 km 1970 (left)

    Sources

  • Constabulary barracks

    Constabulary barracks

    Ringweg 39, Aalten

    Constabulary barracks, Ringweg, Aalten

    The Aalten Marechausseekazerne (Royal Military Constabulary barracks) was built around 1937. Previously, the constabulary had been stationed at the Heurne-Hemden border crossing. The premises contained three houses intended for the families of the constabulary and a service section, which was larger than the residential parts. There were also additional rooms for unmarried officers. These men were required to serve a certain number of years with the Marechaussee before they were permitted to marry, and therefore lived on-site.

    The service section contained two holding cells, and all three houses were equipped with a ‘gas cellar’ to provide shelter in the event of a war involving gas attacks. During World War II, a V-1 flying bomb landed next to the barracks; however, given the sturdy construction typical of military objects, the building suffered virtually no damage.

    World War II

    When war broke out on 10 May 1940, Sergeant (wachtmeester) Sijbring—who was on night duty—warned the officers of the German advance. A number of them fled by bicycle via the Wolboom towards Bronkhorst, where they crossed the IJssel. From there, they could be deployed in the defence of the Netherlands.

    If people were arrested during the war, they were taken either to the Town Hall, where the NSB (Dutch Nazi Party) was based, or to the Marechaussee barracks. A number of constabulary officers were still stationed there. On one occasion, the resistance leader ‘Ome Jan’ Wikkerink was arrested and brought to the barracks. The resistance quickly devised a plan to liberate him. They made an arrangement with the guard, the younger Officer Bruggeman, that they would give him a black eye and stun him with chloroform. In this manner, Ome Jan was freed. When the SD (German security service) arrived shortly after and found the guard with a black eye and barely conscious, they believed his story, and he avoided any repercussions.

    Residences

    The barracks were closed on 1 March 1968. Subsequently, the building was transferred to the Government Buildings Agency. In 1989, the houses were sold to the tenants and passed into private ownership.

    Archives

    Address directory 1967

    Ringweg 39

    Constabulary barracks

    Features

    Cadastral no.L-1508/1507/
    2643/1332
    FunctionConstabulary barracks,
    Residential housing
    Opening1937
    Closure1968
    Listedno

    Sources

    Royal Military Constabulary Barracks Aalten
    Military Constabulary Barracks, Aalten – Staatscourant, 22 December 1936
    Staatscourant, 22 December 1936
    Military Constabulary Barracks, Aalten – De Graafschapper, 22 January 1937
    De Graafschapper, 22 January 1937
  • Old Prison

    Old Prison

    Prinsenstraat 40, Aalten

    Old Prison – Prinsenstraat 40, Aalten
    Photo: Google Streetview, 2018

    The former prison on Prinsenstraat in Aalten was built in 1861 in Neoclassical style as a cantonal house of detention, featuring six cells and a gaoler’s residence. In 1886, its cantonal status was revoked, but the building remained in use as a municipal prison until the Second World War. Today, the property is a private residence.

    Een inventarislijst uit 1933 noemt nog ‘meubilair en overige goederen behorend tot de gevangenis in de Achterstraat’ (de oude naam van de Prinsenstraat). Vóór 1861 bevond het plaatselijke cachot zich aan de Landstraat.

    In 1937, G.H. Rots described in a series of articles how things were handled in Aalten in earlier times. Regarding the old prison, he wrote:

    “For cantonal court matters, one did not have to walk far. After all, the cantonal judge sat in our good village, and the cantonal court was held in the town hall. The prison in Aalten was also equipped for the detention of prisoners for longer than twenty-four hours. A gaoler was appointed for this purpose, and for many years Wessel te Brake held this post. To ensure the proper fulfillment of the feeding and care of the prisoners, he had to sign a contract and provide several sureties. As a matter of interest, we publish the transcript of this contract here:

    Between the Board of Supervision of the house of detention in Aalten on the one hand, and Wessel te Brake, gaoler of the prisoners residing in Aalten, on the other, the following contract has been entered into today regarding the maintenance of the prisoners during the year 1862, at the price of fifty cents per prisoner per day.

    Article One.

    The Contractor undertakes to provide feeding and nursing for the prisoners in the aforementioned house, providing each of them daily with:

    • A. Four ounces of rye bread made of pure baked flour.
    • B. Three measures of warm drink consisting of one part fresh milk and four parts boiled water.
    • C. At midday, a nutritious midday meal at least in accordance with the dietary standards established for prisoners in general.
    • D. In the evening, two and a half ounces of well-baked rye bread as above and two and a half measures of warm drink, consisting of four parts boiled water and one part fresh milk with five wigtjes [units of weight] of coffee and the necessary chicory.
    • E. Further necessary drinking water.

    Article Two.

    The various food items must be of good quality and prepared as required, and shall always be subject to the approval of the Board of Supervision, by whose judgment the Contractor shall abide.

    Article Three.

    The Contractor shall also be required, in occurring cases, to provide sick prisoners with such food and drink as the medical practitioner shall prescribe, with the exception of medicines.

    Article Four.

    The Contractor shall be paid within two months after the submission of his three-monthly or annual declaration.

    Article Five.

    In the prescribed declaration and statements, he may charge for the day of arrival of the prisoners, but not for the day of departure. However, if the prisoners have already enjoyed the midday meal upon their arrival and stay only until the following day, so that only supper and breakfast are provided, or if they should depart again on the day of their arrival, so that only the midday meal is provided, only half a nursing day may be declared in such cases. For the maintenance of children temporarily confined with their parents, half the contract price may be charged for each full nursing day. Mention of this must be made in the Remarks column and the nominative statement.

    Article Six.

    The Contractor must always submit separate declarations and nominative statements for the maintenance costs of police prisoners, which are borne by the municipalities to which they belong. Should it be necessary in special cases to light or heat the prison, the Contractor must provide for this in such a manner as the Board of Supervision shall prescribe.

    Article Seven.

    The costs of stamps and registration of the contract, as well as the stamp duties of the mandates when these exceed ten guilders, shall be borne by the Contractor.

    Article Eight.

    Should any dispute arise concerning the correct understanding and execution of the foregoing provision, the same shall be judged and decided by the King’s Commissioner in the province, without appeal to any other authority.

    After reading the above terms, the Contractor, Wessel te Brake, declares to have understood them all well, to follow them, and for the proper fulfillment of his commitment to provide as sureties Jan Wegchelaar, messenger, and Jan te Hoonte, constable, both residing in Aalten, who are also present here and declare that they are well aware of the obligations to be fulfilled by the Contractor, hold themselves jointly and severally liable with him for the execution thereof, and renounce all exceptions that might be raised by them as sureties. And the Contractor and his sureties have also signed this.

    Done at Aalten, 10th Dec. 1861. 1861. The Board of Supervision of the house of detention in Aalten,
    (signed) F.W.J. IMMINK (President)
    (signed) L. ROELVINK, Secretary.

    The Contractor and the sureties:
    (signed) W. TE BRAKE
    (signed) J. WEGCHELAAR
    (signed) J. TE HOONTE.

    The document was registered in Groenlo. The costs for this were 20 cents plus 38 surtax, making 28 cents in total.”

    Owners

    Overview is incomplete.

    YearPlotOwnerDescription
    1862I-2633
    I-2634    		The Board of Supervision of the
    cantonal prison of Aalten    		280 m² prison, yard
    205 m² house, yard
    1891I-4414
    I-4415    		The Municipality of Aalten269 m² house of detention & yard
    185 m² house & yard
    1893I-4556
    I-4557    		The Municipality of Aalten265 m² house of detention & yard
    179 m² house & yard
    1941I-5611
    I-4557    		The Municipality of Aalten
    Antonius Johannes Veldhuis, merchant    		115 m² house of detention
    179 m² house & yard
    1967I-5611
    I-4557    		Bernardus Antonius Veldhuis,
    clothier    		115 m² part of house
    179 m² house & yard

    Residents

    Population register 1860-1870

    “Het Gevangenhuis” (The Gaol)

    Aalten 183b

    Derk Jan te Brake (Aalten, 15-12-1833), gaoler
    Hendrika Vervelde (Aalten, 20-02-1836)

    Population register 1870-1880

    Aalten 234

    Derk Jan te Brake (Aalten, 15-12-1833), gaoler
    Hendrika Vervelde (Aalten, 20-02-1836)

    Population register 1880-1890

    Aalten 257

    Derk Jan te Brake (Aalten, 15-12-1833), gaoler
    Hendrika Vervelde (Aalten, 20-02-1836)

    Next residents:

    Pieter de Vries (Winschoten, 18-05-1855)
    Elisabeth Wilhelmina Maters (Amsterdam, 04-01-1864)

    Next residents:

    Johannes Bijen (Weerselo, 19-03-1854), national constable
    Johanna Gerharda Stockenbroek (Oldenzaal, 14-11-1861)

    Population register 1890-1900

    Aalten 248

    Johannes Bijen (Weerselo, 19-03-1854), national constable
    Johanna Gerharda Stockenbroek (Oldenzaal, 14-11-1861)

    Next residents:

    Hendrik Jan Ansink (Aalten, 11-12-1863), schoemaker
    Geesje van Aggelen (Zwolle, 19-07-1869)

    Next residents:

    Jacob Jitzes Sipsma (Bozum, 26-02-1862), constable
    Margaretha Kuiper (Harlingen, 28-08-1860)

    Next residents:

    Koert Jan Balsters (Groningen, 03-04-1865), municipal constable
    Grietje Morren (Scherpenzeel,14-03-1861)

    Population register 1900-1910

    Aalten 275 > 327

    Koert Jan Balsters (Groningen, 03-04-1865), municipal constable
    Grietje Morren (Scherpenzeel,14-03-1861)

    Next residents:

    Jan Timmer (Haren/G, 17-12-1873), municipal constable
    Alijda de Goede (Amersfoort, 30-03-1873)

    Next residents:

    Jacob Blom (Haamstede, 21-11-1865), municipal constable
    Johanna Louisa ter Borg (Winterswijk, 09-02-1873)

    Population register 1910-1920

    Aalten B327 > C334

    Jacob Blom (Haamstede, 21-11-1865), constable
    Johanna Louisa ter Borg (Winterswijk, 09-02-1873)

    Population register 1920-1930

    Aalten C334

    Jacob Blom (Haamstede, 21-11-1865)
    Johanna Louisa ter Borg (Winterswijk, 09-02-1873)

    Next residents:

    Address directory 1934

    Aalten C334 > Prinsenstraat 40

    H.J. Aalbers

    Next residents (after 1934):

    Population register 1930-1940

    Aalten C334

    Sieds Douma (Dronrijp, 09-07-1898), labourer
    IJbeltje de Jong (Oosterbierum, 12-07-1900)

    Address directory 1967

    Prinsenstraat 40

    S. Douma
    J. Jansen

    Features

    Cadastral no.I-11456
    FunctionHouse of Detention,
    Residential House
    Year of construction1861
    ListedGemeentelijk
    monument

    Sources

    Former House of Detention, Aalten
    Prison – Prinsenstraat 40, Aalten
    Prinsenstraat 40, Aalten – old prison
    Prinsenstraat 40, Aalten (prison) – Cadastral map fragment, 1893
    Cadastral map fragment, 1893 (plots I-4556 & 4557)
    Tender prison Aalten – Zutphensche Courant, 8 December 1860
    Zutphensche Courant, 8 December 1860
    Abolition House of Detention Aalten – Graafschapbode, 14 August 1886
    De Graafschapbode, 14 August 1886
    Hotel "de houten lepel" (the wooden spoon) – Aaltensche Courant, 24 October 1919
    Hotel “de houten lepel” (the wooden spoon) – Aaltensche Courant, 24 October 1919
    Prinsenstraat 40, Aalten (Douma) – Aaltensche Courant, 17 February 1939
    Aaltensche Courant, 17 February 1939
  • Retirement Home ‘t Hoge Veld

    Retirement Home ‘t Hoge Veld

    ‘t Hoge Veld, Aalten

    Retirement home 't Hoge Veld, Aalten

    The ‘t Hoge Veld residential care center in Aalten opened in 1970 as the successor to the Avondvrede rest home on Hogestraat. The building accommodated dozens of elderly residents and was a recognizable nursing home in Aalten for decades. In 2018, the complex was demolished and replaced by new construction.

    In 1967, the Reformed congregations of Aalten, Bredevoort, and Lichtenvoorde jointly established the Reformed Foundation for the Aalten Senior Center. This foundation was later renamed the ‘t Hoge Veld Senior Center Foundation. In 1970, the residents of the Avondvrede rest home on Hogestraat moved to the newly built ‘t Hoge Veld senior center in Aalten.

    High-rise construction

    The new building was a six-story structure. At the time, this was considered quite spectacular in Aalten, as there was hardly any high-rise construction in the village. The only tall buildings were the Landbouw silo and the water tower. From the top floor of ‘t Hoge Veld, one had a beautiful view over Aalten and the surrounding area.

    During construction, some elderly residents remarked: “If they add a slide, we can go straight to the cemetery across the street after we die.” Later, the residents felt very positive about it. They enjoyed the view and the excellent care provided in this nursing home.

    The main building contained 78 single rooms and 11 double rooms. Additionally, there were 12 sheltered housing units.

    Demolition and new construction

    In 2018, the apartment block and the sheltered housing units were demolished to make way for new (lower) residential care center buildings and luxury homes in a park-like setting.

    Features

    Cadastral no.–
    FunctionRetirement home
    Year of construction1970
    Demolition2018

    Sources

    Contruction Retirement Home 't Hoge Veld
    Contruction Retirement Home ‘t Hoge Veld
    Hoge Veld, Aalten
    The new and old Hoge Veld, side by side
    Hoge Veld, Aalten
    New construction ‘t Hoge Veld
  • Beth San Residential Care Center

    Beth San Residential Care Center

    Ludgerstraat 17, Aalten

    Beth San Nursing Home, Ludgerstraat, Aalten

    Beth San Residential Care Center on Ludgerstraat in Aalten was opened in 1960 as a ‘Reformed home for the elderly’. After fifty years, the complex no longer met the requirements of the time and the care center, along with the associated sheltered housing, was replaced by a new building. The opening of the new Beth San took place in 2013.

    The initiative for Beth San came from the diaconate of the Reformed Church in Aalten. The name means ‘House of Rest’. In 1957, over 12,000 m² of land was purchased between Ludgerstraat and the section of Eligiusstraat that was yet to be constructed. The buildings were designed by architects Gjalt van der Zee (1901-1994) and Ir. Cornelis Veerling (1912-1997) from Bolsward.

    The main building consisted of 63 single rooms, 4 double rooms, and 8 rooms for live-in staff. In addition, 12 sheltered housing units were built. The total investment amounted to over 1 million guilders.

    At its opening in 1960, Beth San provided accommodation for more than seventy residents. The home was considered a modern facility for its time, featuring central heating and provisions for independent seniors in the sheltered housing units.

    Renovation and New Construction

    Five decades after its opening, the complex no longer met current standards. The complex was demolished and replaced by a new residential care center, which opened in 2013.

    The new Beth San consists of two buildings with thirty apartments and five group homes for people with dementia. The group homes are small-scale in design and offer 24-hour care and support. Additionally, the center features a restaurant, an exercise garden, and spaces for activities and social gatherings, such as exercise classes for seniors (MBVO) and an internet café.

    Next to Beth San, a residential building for independent seniors was erected, featuring thirteen apartments and an underground parking garage. This complex replaced the sheltered housing units that previously stood there.

    Residents

    Address directory 1967

    Ludgerstraat 47

    „Beth San” Center for the Elderly
    Ms. H.R. Steenbergen (Director)

    Features

    Cadastral no.I-12823
    FunctionRetirement home
    Year of construction1960
    Demolitionca. 2010

    Sources

    Ludgerstraat 17-25, Aalten - Beth San
    The new Beth San in Aalten (2013)
    Beth San, Aalten - Director wanted - Trouw, 08-04-1960
    Trouw, April 8, 1960
    Residents of 'Beth San', Aalten, 1967
    Residents of ‘Beth San’, 1967 Directory
  • Sunday school Lintelo Veur

    Sunday school Lintelo Veur

    Sondernweg 9, Lintelo

    Sunday school, Sondernweg, Lintelo

    Former Sunday school dating from the early 20th century, restored and converted into a vacation rental.

    In the nineteenth century, Rev. Breukelaar ensured that Sunday schools were established in Aalten. For children in the surrounding hamlets, Sunday school was held at someone’s home on a farm, so the children did not have to travel all the way to the village. Gradually, a need arose in these hamlets to build a local hall or zondagsschoolhuuske (Sunday school house). A total of nine small Sunday schools appeared, only a few of which have been preserved.

    In the rural district of Lintelo, there were formerly two Sunday schools. In the centre of Lintelo, there was a small Sunday school on the Schooldijk, but this was demolished around 1950. The ‘Lintelo Veur’ Sunday school was built in 1924. Originally, the school had two rooms and was considerably more spacious than most Sunday schools in the municipality of Aalten.

    Foundation

    That the plans in Lintelo were serious was evidenced by the official publication in the Staatscourant (Government Gazette) regarding the establishment of the ‘Zondagschoolvereniging te Vóór Lintelo’ (Sunday School Association for Vóór Lintelo). At a meeting in May 1924, the 17 members present decided that a ‘hall’ should be built to be used as a Sunday school for children from Lintelo.

    To build the hall, money and land were required. To raise funds, a collection was held in Lintelo as well as in the surrounding hamlets. Quotes were requested from various contractors. Initially, they considered a building with one large room measuring eight by five metres. Eventually, they decided the building should be larger—albeit more expensive—but, as the reasoning went, cheaper per square metre.

    The building would have two rooms and a separate storage area. A second collection was held to raise additional funds. The necessary land was also found; for a symbolic amount, a small piece of land was acquired from the former Schenk farm, at the corner of the Veldweg and Sondernweg.

    From 1925 onwards, the children came to ‘Lintelo Veur’ every Sunday. Each year at Easter, there was a larger children’s party. This continued until the war. During the war, the occupying forces confiscated the Sunday school for use as storage. The Sunday school was forced to be held on a farm again. Immediately after the war, the Sunday school was designated as emergency housing.

    It took until the end of 1950 for the association to regain the building following a lawsuit. The building was refurbished and was ready just before Christmas. It was returned to use with a festive Christmas celebration. With this Christmas party, a new tradition was born that continued until the mid-90s: every child received a book annually during the Christmas party. A small notebook was kept to meticulously record which child had received which book and when.

    Gradually, the number of children attending Sunday school declined. Over seventy years after the founding of the ‘Zondagschoolvereniging te Vóór Lintelo’, the decision was made to dissolve it at the end of 1995. The property was sold.

    Listed

    Five years later, in 2000, the Sunday school was placed on the municipal monument list because “it is a good example of a traditional school from the early 20th century. With its prominent location, it is of particular importance for the original character of the area. It is important for keeping the development of education in the municipality of Aalten in the twentieth century visible.”

    The small building was subsequently used regularly for parties and as a rehearsal space for a band. However, the condition of the building gradually deteriorated.

    Vacation rental

    In 2008, the current owners began making plans. After consultation with the municipality, it turned out that a vacation rental was the most achievable scenario. However, the building was not insulated, and there was no upper floor. A thorough and sustainable approach was required. Work began in early 2012. Gradually, unexpected old elements reappeared, such as old doors with their characteristic green colour, the frames around the doors and windows, and the dark oak ceiling.

    Today, the little school looks beautiful again and is available for overnight stays.

    Features

    Cadastral no.L-822
    FunctionSunday school
    Year of construction1924
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    Construction drawing Sunday school Sondernweg, Lintelo
    Image: The Old Sunday School
    Sunday school Sondernweg, mid 1980's
    Photo: Fagus Publishers – Hans Boerrigter
  • Sunday school Haart

    Sunday school Haart

    Kriegerdijk 10, Aalten

    Sunday school, Kriegerdijk, Haart

    The small, single-classroom schoolhouse in the rural area between Aalten and the German border was built in 1924 on the initiative of the Reformed Church council.

    This type of one- or two-classroom Sunday school building could be found in various hamlets throughout the Achterhoek region. In those days, the roads from these areas to the villages were often little more than simple cart tracks. Particularly in winter, these became nearly impassable dirt roads. Much of the land in this area had only recently been cleared for cultivation.

    The plot of land on which the building stands was once part of a patch of forest (wasteland) that local farmers were in the process of reclaiming. An association of parents with school-age children purchased this piece of land and built the small schoolhouse using their own contributions.

    In this Sunday school, a number of parents took turns telling stories from the Bible and teaching the children Christian songs. The number of children attending varied between 12 and 30. Rev. D. Breukelaar from Aalten and Rev. J. van Dijk from Doetinchem had a significant influence on this work.

    Around 1925–1930, partly due to the emancipation movement, a girls’ association and a women’s association were founded. The girls’ association met there weekly, and the women’s association met once a month. At these meetings, the Bible was studied, but social topics were also discussed, such as the position of women in the church and in politics.

    From 1945 until 1997, boys’ and girls’ clubs met here, discussing the Bible and/or themes relevant to young people. Both the Sunday school and the clubs operated under a Parents’ Association, which maintained the building. Due to various societal changes, all these associations eventually ceased to exist.

    In 2005, the Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen foundation received the Sunday schoolhouse as a donation from the Haart-Heurne Parents’ Association. In order to preserve the small building, a suitable new purpose was sought. Since 2009, it has been available for rent as a holiday home.

    Owners

    Overview is incomplete.

    YearPlotOwnerDescription
    m²

    Address history

    Address directory 1934

    Haart 113

    Sunday school hall

    Address directory 1967

    Haart 113 > Kriegerdijk 13

    Sunday school hall

    Features

    Cadastral no.R-543
    FunctionSunday school,
    Vacation rental
    Year of construction1924
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

  • Hendrickje Stoffels

    Hendrickje Stoffels

    Hendrickje Stoffels or Hendrickje Jegers (Bredevoort, 1626 – Amsterdam, July 1663) was a domestic servant and art dealer. For a period, she was the official employer of the Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. She was also Rembrandt’s romantic partner, the mother of one of his three daughters (all of whom were named Cornelia), and possibly one of his models.

    Hendrickje Stoffels was born in Bredevoort in 1626 as the daughter of Stoffel Stoffelse and Mechteld Lamberts and grew up in the Muizenstraat. Her father was a sergeant under a captain from the Ploos van Amstel family. Stoffel was also a hunter for the castle at Bredevoort and was therefore also called Jeger. In common parlance, his children were called ‘Jegers’, but in official documents they were always referred to as ‘Stoffels’ (meaning son or daughter of Stoffel).

    Hendrickje had one sister and three brothers: Martijne Jegers, Hermen, Berent, and Frerick. She may also have had a sister named Margriete.

    Hendrickje’s father almost certainly passed away in July 1646, possibly as an unidentified victim of the gunpowder tower explosion in Bredevoort. It was likely due to this event that Hendrickje left for Amsterdam.

    Rembrandt’s beloved

    From that time on, Hendrickje entered service as a maid for the already famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn, in what is now the Rembrandt House on Jodenbreestraat in Amsterdam. On July 16, 1649, Hendrickje was back in Bredevoort; she is mentioned as a baptismal witness in the Bredevoort Baptismal Register. It is possible that Rembrandt made the journey to Bredevoort with her. This may be evidenced by several etchings by Rembrandt from 1649 and 1650, the locations of which are unknown.

    Later, Hendrickje became Rembrandt’s partner, and in 1654 they had a daughter together, Cornelia. In 1658, she started an art shop together with Titus, Rembrandt’s son from his earlier marriage to Saskia van Uylenburgh, where they sold paintings, drawings, copper engravings, woodcuts, and curiosities.

    There are several paintings and prints by Rembrandt in which Hendrickje Stoffels is recognized. However, there is no single documented image of her. Furthermore, some experts believe that the portraits identified as Stoffels exhibit a wide variety of facial features. In any case, there are a number of works by Rembrandt from the period in which Stoffels lived with him that possibly depict the same woman.

    In 1663, a plague epidemic struck Amsterdam. Hendrickje Stoffels was likely also fatally affected by this disease, as she died in July of that year. She was buried on July 24, 1663, in a rented grave in the Westerkerk in Amsterdam.

    Hendrickje Stoffels, Bredevoort
    Statue Hendrickje Stoffels on ‘t Zand
    Plaque at the birthplace of Hendrickje Stoffels in Muizenstraat in Bredevoort
    Plaque at the birthplace of Hendrickje Stoffels in Muizenstraat

    Statue on ‘t Zand

    On ‘t Zand in Bredevoort stands a statue of Hendrickje Stoffels, created by sculptor G.J.F. (Truus) Doodeheefver-Kremer. Before creating the statue on ‘t Zand, the artist conducted research, including at the Rijksmuseum, and chose to depict Hendrickje around the age of twenty, the period when she left Bredevoort for Amsterdam. The statue was unveiled on July 7, 1977.

    Sources

  • Ten Hietbrinks Bewaarschool

    Ten Hietbrinks Bewaarschool

    Prinsenstraat 27, Aalten

    Ten Hietbrinks Bewaarschool, Prinsenstraat, Aalten

    The Ten Hietbrink Bewaarschool was a nursery school in Prinsenstraat in Aalten. The school was named after the Ten Hietbrink family, who were closely involved in its inception and management. Later, the Nederlandse Protestantenbond (Dutch Association of Protestants) held its church services here. Today, the address houses the Euregional Historical Documentation Centre.

    The nursery school was opened on 6 January 1887, at a time when the first forms of early childhood education were increasingly gaining ground in the Netherlands. Before then, children were often not admitted to primary school until they reached the age of six.

    The little school possessed one large classroom with a wooden floor, a sandpit behind the building, and simple play materials, such as car tyres. Behind the school stood a shed which also formed part of the play area.

    War Years

    During the years of the German occupation (1940–1945), the measures taken against Jewish residents also affected the Ten Hietbrink Bewaarschool. Jewish children attended the school until 1941, but from 1 September 1941, they were compulsorily expelled, in line with the anti-Jewish decrees.

    School Life

    Memories from former pupils provide a picture of school life during the 1940s and 1950s:

    • The head of the school was Miss Stokreef; alongside her, Miss Annie is also mentioned.
    • Strict discipline prevailed, described by former pupils as “potty-discipline”.
    • In addition to learning and playing, school trips were also organised, for instance in 1946 to the Loohuisbos.

    Owners

    Overview is incomplete.

    YearPlotOwnerDescription
    1832I-1059
    I-1060    		Hermanus Hietbrink, labourer148 m² house & yard
    17 m² house
    1882I-3714Gerrit Jan ten Hietbrink, merchant185 m² house & yard
    1888I-4203The Departmental Nursery School of the
    Departement tot Nut van ‘t Algemeen    		565 m² nursery school, garden
    1963I-4203Nederlandse Protestantenbond565 m² kerk, garden

    Residents

    Population register 1838-1850

    Aalten 229

    Harmanus Hiebering / ten Hietbrink (Aalten, 22-09-1791 – Aalten, 21-06-1844), labourer
    Berendina ter Horst (Aalten, 29-06-1794 – Aalten, 19-12-1847)

    Son:

    Gerrit Jan ten Hietbrink (Aalten, 01-11-1834 – Aalten, 04-04-1883)

    Harmen Jan Honders (Winterswijk, 16-11-1792 – Aalten, 13-02-1873), farmer
    (1) Berendina ter Horst (Aalten, 29-06-1794 – Aalten, 19-12-1847)
    (2) Antonetta Villekes (Aalten, 30-08-1803 – Aalten, 02-10-1885)

    Population register 1850-1860

    Aalten 229

    “Achterstraat”

    Harmen Jan Honders (Winterswijk, 16-11-1792 – Aalten, 13-02-1873), farmer
    Antonetta Villekes (Aalten, 30-08-1803 – Aalten, 02-10-1885)

    Stepson:

    Gerrit Jan ten Hietbrink (Aalten, 01-11-1834 – Aalten, 04-04-1883)

    Population register 1860-1870

    Aalten 229

    Harmen Jan Honders (Winterswijk, 16-11-1792 – Aalten, 13-02-1873)
    Antonetta Villekes (Aalten, 30-08-1803 – Aalten, 02-10-1885)

    Stepson:

    Gerrit Jan ten Hietbrink (Aalten, 01-11-1834 – Aalten, 04-04-1883), clog maker

    Population register 1870-1880

    Aalten 301

    Harmen Jan Honders (Winterswijk, 16-11-1792 – Aalten, 13-02-1873)
    Antonetta Villekes (Aalten, 30-08-1803 – Aalten, 02-10-1885)

    Population register 1880-1890

    Aalten 345

    Gerrit Jan ten Hietbrink (Aalten, 01-11-1834 – Aalten, 04-04-1883), merchant

    Nursery School

    Population register 1900-1910

    409 > 481

    Population register 1910-1920

    481 > C535

    Address directory 1934

    Aalten C535 > Prinsenstraat 27

    Nursery School

    Address directory 1967

    Prinsenstraat 27

    Geb. Ned. Prot. Bond

    Features

    Cadastral no.I-10937
    FunctionDwelling house,
    Nursery school,
    Church
    Year of construction1949
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    Building of the Dutch Association of Protestants, Aalten
    Building of the Dutch Association of Protestants, Aalten
    Excerpt from cadastral map, 1888 (plot I-4203)
    Excerpt from cadastral map, 1888 (plot I-4203)
    Hietbrink Bewaarschool – Arnhemsche Courant, 8 December 1883
    Arnhemsche Courant, 8 December 1883
    Opening Ten Hietbrinks Bewaarschool, Aalten – Graafschapbode, 8 January 1887
    Graafschapbode, 8 January 1887
    Hietbrink Bewaarschool – Aaltensche Courant, 8 December 1939
    Aaltensche Courant, 8 December 1939
  • Schaer Monastery

    Schaer Monastery

    Kloosterdijk, Aalten

    Illustration of Schaer Monastery near Bredevoort based on a reconstructed floor plan using historical sources and archaeological data, created with AI by Paul van Druten.
    Illustration of Schaer Monastery near Bredevoort based on a reconstructed floor plan using historical sources and archaeological data, created with AI by Paul van Druten.

    Schaer Monastery was a monastic house near Bredevoort, founded in 1429 and belonging to the order of the Modern Devotion. It was located in the hamlet of ’t Klooster, approximately two kilometres north of Bredevoort, on the left bank of the Schaarsbeek.

    The pious nobleman Derck van Lintelo and Conraedt Slindewater, clerk to the Drost of Zutphen and originating from a prominent patrician family from the Hanseatic city, donated land and farms in 1429 to displaced monks from Windesheim, near Zwolle.

    The Windesheimers belonged to the late-medieval movement of the Modern Devotion, which had emerged under the leadership of Geert Grote (1340–1384) in Deventer. From the IJssel cities, this reform movement spread across Western Europe and led to the founding of more than a hundred monasteries. The Modern Devotion strove for the renewal of church and society, forming a transition between the Middle Ages and the early modern period.

    Foundation

    The Windesheimers preferred to settle in remote locations. The donation of land near the Schaersvoorde—in the current hamlet of ’t Klooster—in 1429 fitted this preference well. It was a high-lying area on the edge of the vast Schaersheide, bordering the low-lying and marshy Bredevoortse Broek. Using the clay present just below the surface, the monks baked their own ‘kloostermoppen’ (monastic bricks).

    The monastery, Domus Beatae Mariae in Nazareth (House of the Blessed Mary in Nazareth), rose shortly thereafter. It was popularly known as Schaer Monastery, named after the heath on which it was situated. The residents were soon actively involved in the care of young students and the improvement of the living conditions of the local population.

    Prayer and work defined daily life for the Windesheimers. Through diligent labour, the monks managed to reclaim the immediate surroundings of the monastery. By 1500, it was a fertile, egg-shaped oasis in the wilderness, with Nazareth as its centre, surrounded by an outer moat.

    In 1522, several improvements were made. The monastery’s clockwork and chiming bell were transferred to the Saint George’s Church in Bredevoort in 1596—where the bell still hangs today.

    Legend and Gold Treasure

    In 1597, when the army of Prince Maurice was on its way to Bredevoort, the last prior of Schaer Monastery fled. The remaining monks also found it safer to seek refuge elsewhere. Shortly thereafter, the abandoned monastery was destroyed by marauding soldiers.

    Since then, the story has circulated that the fleeing monks hid a treasure in the ground—under the third holly bush behind the sheepfold. However, no one remembers exactly where that sheepfold once stood. According to legend, the treasure will one day be found again, indicated by ‘heavenly signs’: a strange light will appear in the sky until a black rooster crows.

    On the night of 13 to 14 September 1943, an unusual light was indeed observed: a moonbow. There were many bombers in the air that night, meaning many people were awake to witness this rare phenomenon. Whether a black rooster also crowed that night is unknown.

    Size

    Field and archival research shows that Schaer Monastery was of modest size. The perimeter of the monastery grounds is easily traceable: field names are still recognisable, and remains can be found on a farmyard. At the beginning of the twentieth century, a crucifix and a skull were discovered during excavation work. Furthermore, the so-called Kloosterschans (Monastery Redoubt) is still located on the site. In 1978, the last above-ground wall remains were demolished, but a monastery cellar with a barrel vault still exists beneath the local farmhouse.

    The oval monastery area—also called the corpus—covered approximately 118 hectares and showed a height difference of over ten metres from west to east. The monks made optimal use of the relief, the water, and the soil conditions. Seepage and rainwater, as well as water flowing from the high Schaerheide, moved just below the surface over impermeable clay layers towards the Bredevoortse Broek. The monks threw up a dyke straight through the area to dam the water and utilise it to power a corn and oil mill.

    With a system of interconnected waterways and ponds, the monks kept their feet dry and prevented the water from flowing unused into the low marshlands. On the east side of the monastery complex, they created a remarkable piece of earthwork: the Eremus in Aquis—literally ‘the wilderness in the waters’—a hermitage on the edge of the marshy Bredevoortse Broek. The moats around this hermitage served as water storage.

    Remains

    After the destruction of the monastery in 1597, the lands became overgrown with heath and coppice. The monastic bricks from the complex were partly reused for the repair of fortifications and houses in Bredevoort. The monastery’s possessions were confiscated by the Duchy of Guelders. The Eremus in Aquis may have been used as a redoubt during military operations around Bredevoort in later years. In 1672, the west wing of the rectangular monastery complex was still standing.

    With the seizure of the monastery area, the landscape took on a second historical layer: the planting of timber plantations. Guelders leased the lands for the production of oak wood. Around 1700, work began on the necessary drainage. Straight channels drained water quickly into the Schaarsbeek, and the same stream—once part of the outer moat—was straightened towards Bredevoort to supply the town’s moats with water. The waterways near the Eremus in Aquis silted up, and so-called rabatten (narrow raised beds) were laid out on the former monastery grounds to plant young oaks.

    Due to several very harsh winters, the first plantings failed. Guelders then decided to sell the monastery area. The new owners continued the forestry following the same system of rabatten and drainage. The current 25-hectare Kloosterbos (Monastery Forest) still preserves the traces of the late-medieval water management system once laid out by the monks of Schaer.

    Archives

    Verpondingskohier (tax register), 1647

    t’Clooster te Schaer en sijn becirck?, Geestl.
    2 Huisen, met etlicke koolhoven, 3 sch.
    Boulant 27 mdr., 3de gerve 225 – 0 -.
    Inslagh en hoeijmate van 4 daghen meijens, slechten waterigen gront.

    Features

    FunctionMonastery
    Foundation1429
    Destruction1597

    Sources

    Schaer Monastery near Bredevoort, illustration created with AI by Paul van Druten
    Illustration of Schaer Monastery near Bredevoort based on a reconstructed floor plan using historical sources and archaeological data, created with AI by Paul van Druten.
    Canon of Schaer Monastery
    Monk by sculptor Jan te Kulve. Canon of Schaer Monastery in the habit of his Order. [Source: tekulve.nl]
    Lease register of Schaer Monastery, 1786
    Lease register of Schaer Monastery, 1786
    Van Eerden (Schaer) cellar
    Cellar of the former Schaer Monastery
  • Stad Munster Lodging House

    Stad Munster Lodging House

    Peperstraat, Aalten (no longer extant)

    Stad Munster Lodging House in Peperstraat, Aalten (image AI-generated based on an old photograph).
    Stad Munster Lodging House in Peperstraat, Aalten (image AI-generated based on an old photograph).

    Stad Munster Lodging House was once an important rest stop for travellers and mail coaches. It stood in Peperstraat, situated between the former post office and ‘De Postiljon’, opposite Stegers. Following the municipal reorganisation of 1816, it briefly served as a courthouse (Rechthuis). In 1873, the building was completely destroyed by fire and was never rebuilt.

    A Coaching Inn for the Diligence

    In previous centuries, when the mail coach—or diligence—was the official mode of transport, ‘Logement Stad Munster’ (also known as ‘Hotel Wamelink’) functioned as a coaching inn for the diligence and a place of rest for weary travellers. Those embarking on a long journey who could afford it would board at Hotel Wamelink, after which the journey continued, jolting and bumping towards its destination. Those with less to spend put on their ‘steffels’ (boots) and undertook the journey on foot; a walk to Arnhem or Zutphen was no rarity in those days. People had the time. Stad Munster welcomed travellers of all kinds, such as a manufacturer from Armentières in France, a merchant from Stadlohn, and a clerk on foot from Oosterwijk. Three English factory workers from Manchester, Ashton, and Oldham once stayed there for two months.

    In 1823, Johanna Maria Martha Mensinck was registered at this address as the lodging house keeper. She was the widow of Gerrit Jan Wamelink, who had passed away in 1822. Johanna died in 1854. Their son, Lambertus Hermanus Wamelink, continued the business. In 1852, at the age of 39, he had married Johanna Catharina Heming. After her death in 1854, he remarried Wilhelmina Louisa Hendrina Meijrink in 1856.

    Fire

    On 2 April 1873, a violent thunderstorm broke out over Aalten. Labourers in the fields fled into barns and garden sheds. Thunder rolled incessantly and lightning filled the sky. Suddenly, a loud crack was heard, and shortly thereafter, everyone could hear the tolling of the fire bell in the church tower above the sound of the rain. A lightning strike had hit the building next to the lodging house, which was occupied by Mr Van Eerden and the national tax collector, Mr Boudewijn.

    By the time the fire wardens arrived, both buildings were engulfed in flames. The fire engines could do little against such a blaze. The old lodging house—the pride of the Wamelinks, who had lived there since the beginning of the 18th century—burnt to the ground, as did the adjacent house on the corner of Kerkstraat. The lodging house was never rebuilt, and the site has remained an open passage between Peperstraat and Het Hoge Blik ever since.

    Owners

    This overview is incomplete.

    YearPlotOwnerDescription
    1832I-1152widow of Gerrit Jan Wamelink 490 m² house, barn
    1858I-2011
    I-2012    		widow of Gerrit Jan Wamelink
    heirs of Lambertus Hermanus Wamelink     		490 m² house, yard
    260 m² barn, stabling
    1863I-2011
    I-2012    		Wilhelmina Louisa Hendrina Meijerink,
    lodging house keeper    		490 m² house, yard
    260 m² barn, stabling

    Residents

    Population register 1823-1838

    Aalten 256

    Johanna Maria Martha Mensinck (Winterswijk, 16-08-1788), lodging house keeper

    Widow of Gerrit Jan Wamelink.

    Population register 1838-1850

    Aalten 271

    Johanna Maria Martha Mensinck (Winterswijk, 16-08-1788), lodging house keeper

    Population register 1850-1860

    Aalten 271

    Johanna Maria Martha Mensinck (Winterswijk, 16-08-1788), lodging house keeper

    Next residents, son and daughter in law:

    Lambertus Hermanus Wamelink (Aalten, 18-02-1813)
    (1) Johanna Catharina Heming (Vreden/D, 02-07-1822)
    (2) Wilhelmina Louisa Hendrina Meijerink (Aalten, 06-11-1823)

    Population register 1860-1870

    Aalten 271

    Wilhelmina Louisa Hendrina Meijerink (Aalten, 06-11-1823), lodging house keeper

    Population register 1870-1880

    Aalten 348

    Wilhelmina Louisa Hendrina Meijerink (Aalten, 06-11-1823), lodging house keeper

    Features

    Cadastral no.I-11441
    FunctionLodging house
    Year of constructionunknown
    Burned down1873

    Sources

    Stad Munster Lodging House, Peperstraat, Aalten
    Stad Munster Lodging House, Aalten – Fragment cadastral map, 1858
    Fragment cadastral map, 1858 (plot I-2011)
    Stad Munster Lodging House, Aalten – Fragment cadastral map, 1879
    Contours of the former Stad Munster Lodging House, taken from a cadastral auxiliary map from 1858, projected onto a map from 1879.
    Illustration: Piet te Lintum
    Stad Munster Lodging House, Aalten – De Tijd, 26 April 1873
    De Tijd, 26 April 1873
  • Arent Jan te Slaa

    Arent Jan te Slaa

    Town crier, better known as ‘Jan met de panne’ (Jan with the Pan)

    Arent Jan te Slaa (known as Jan) was born on 22 March 1870 in Aalten, at house number 152 (Varsseveldsestraat 3), the son of Derk Hendrik te Slaa (a night watchman) and Janna Willemina te Brake. On 29 August 1895, he married Dina Geertruida Klein Hesselink (from IJzerlo, 13 September 1871) in Aalten. The couple went to live at Hofstraat 3. They had six children.

    The latest news

    In the 19th century, very few residents of Aalten could afford to have a newspaper at home. Those wealthy enough to do so could almost every evening count on neighbours dropping by to hear the latest news. This visit did not have to be for nothing, however: guests would usually leave a block of peat under their chair as a token of appreciation.

    As was common in many places, upcoming auctions were announced outside the church on Sunday mornings following the service. Usually, the schoolmaster would do this, standing on a small bench or a large stone. For official announcements from the municipality, a large noticeboard stood on the Market Square (Markt) in Aalten. For many years, new public notices were heralded by the tolling of the church bell, but this practice was abolished in 1901.

    Town crier

    Meanwhile, the first town crier was already doing his rounds in the village. In 1868, this was D.H. te Slaa, who, together with B.H. Wieskamp, fulfilled the role of night watchman. That they also acted as criers is evident from a note by the Mayor and Aldermen (B&W) dated 19 February 1876, in which the gentlemen were reprimanded for not going far enough. Aalten was growing, but the criers’ routes were failing to expand alongside it.

    When Te Slaa passed away in 1903, he was succeeded as night watchman by his son Jan. At the time, the role of crier was not yet an official appointment, although he did already act as such. Jan te Slaa did not receive this official appointment until 1 January 1915, “and this at an annual salary of 10 guilders”.

    Jan met de Panne

    Through his manner of performing his duties, he acquired an almost legendary fame. To capture the public’s attention, he would strike a copper basin vigorously several times with a wooden clapper; this basin earned him the nickname ‘Jan met de Panne’ (Jan with the Pan). When the local residents came outside to hear ‘what was on the pan’, he would proudly deliver his message standing up straight.

    At regular intervals, he made his rounds through the village to cry out the joys and sorrows of Aalten. He also announced the sale of meat from emergency slaughterings, made public the notices of the notary, and much else besides. He even proclaimed retailers’ special offers, such as a local fishmonger selling twelve kippers for 10 cents. He was, in a sense, a walking edition of the local Aalten Vooruit newspaper.

    In early 1918, the municipal council was requested to have the crier “proclaim the news of the day in the outlying districts as well”. Crier Te Slaa stated in response that for his meagre fee of 30 cents per proclamation, he could not venture into the outlying areas, “as Aalten continues to expand, and he would very gladly satisfy all who wish to hear, provided his fee is doubled”.

    On 9 November 1924, the Mayor and Aldermen of Aalten decided to abolish the position of town crier. With the dismissal of Jan te Slaa—who “owing to the abolition of the post was granted an honourable discharge as crier in Aalten”—a striking figure vanished from the village streetscape, and a characteristic piece of village life was lost.

    Following his discharge, Te Slaa did continue to cry on behalf of private individuals, and this practice—though carried on by his successors—continued until after World War II.

    The original pan has been given an honoured place in the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum on the Market Square in Aalten. ‘De Panne’ is also the name of the museum’s biannual magazine, named after the illustrious town crier.

    Arent Jan te Slaa, 'Jan met de Panne'
    ‘Jan met de panne’ on Markt square in Aalten
    Jan met de Panne on Markt square in Aalten
    Also on Markt square
    Jan met de panne – Aaltensche Courant, 25 May 1928
    Aaltensche Courant, 25 May 1928
    ‘Those who left us in 1935.’ – De Graafschapbode, 30 December 1935
    ‘Those who left us in 1935.’ – De Graafschapbode, 30 December 1935

    Death

    Jan te Slaa passed away on 6 August 1935 and is buried at the Old Cemetery on Varsseveldsestraatweg in Aalten.

    Following his death, the Aaltensche Courant wrote:

    Jan te Slaa †

    On Tuesday afternoon, Mr A.J. te Slaa passed away here at the age of 65. With the passing of Jan te Slaa, a well-known figure leaves our community. Older residents will surely still remember Jan as he walked through the village, armed with pan and clapper, crying out the news. To the question: “Jan, what is amiss with the pan?” he always gave a kindly reply.

    He also rendered his services to our municipality for many years as a night watchman. At New Year, the inhabitants were offered a Zutphen Almanac for sale along with the best seasonal wishes; through the price one chose to pay for this, one could simultaneously express appreciation for the work of the night watchmen.

    The scope of Te Slaa’s activities was highly varied. For instance, until a few years ago, the deceased also functioned as a gravedigger and was an auxiliary postal delivery man. His role as a fish auctioneer, dating from the years of wartime mobilisation, was later continued by him in the form of a fish stall at the Thursday morning market.

    Various local societies availed themselves of his services as a messenger or debt collector, whilst at important celebrations, particularly at the Sociëteit club, Jan was always the most popular waiter. For many years, he held a position on the board of the Aalten Cattle Fund (Veefonds). Since his fall from a bicycle a few years ago, Jan was never quite his old self again, and thus a well-known Aalten resident has now departed from us.

    Sources

  • Old Cemetery Bredevoort

    Old Cemetery Bredevoort

    Prins Mauritsstraat, Bredevoort

    Old Cemetery, Bredevoort

    The Old Cemetery on Prins Mauritsstraat in Bredevoort was established around 1830, concurrently with the adjacent Jewish Cemetery. The site became available following the dismantling of the fortifications on the eastern side of the town.

    The cemetery is characterised by an irregular floor plan, surrounded by beech hedges and tall trees. The oldest section is situated directly along Prins Mauritsstraat. In 1925, the southernmost strip was added to the cemetery. At the same time, a new entrance gate was installed, and a mortuary was built a few years later.

    Features

    Cadastral no.A-1144/1648
    FunctionCemetery
    Establishmentc. 1830
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    View the graves on Findagrave.

  • Kloosterhof Cemetery

    Kloosterhof Cemetery

    Kloosterdijk, Bredevoort

    Kloosterhof Cemetery, Bredevoort

    The Kloosterhof Cemetery on the Kloosterdijk in Bredevoort was laid out in 1862–1863 and originally served as a Roman Catholic cemetery.

    The oldest, centrally located section features a symmetrical layout with a distinctive entrance gate, a mortuary that also functions as a workshop, and rows of graves facing a Calvary Cross at the rear of the site.

    In the 1980s, the cemetery was extended with a general section. In 1989, a mortuary building was also erected, providing facilities for the deceased to lie in state, for families to pay their last respects, and for offering condolences.

    In 2024, the Municipality of Aalten announced that part of the cemetery would be designated as a natural burial ground. This development aligns with modern wishes and needs regarding burial.

    Features

    Cadastral no.O-549/1146
    FunctionCemetery
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    View the graves on Findagrave.

  • Jewish Cemetery Bredevoort

    Jewish Cemetery Bredevoort

    Prins Mauritsstraat, Bredevoort

    Jewish Cemetery, Bredevoort

    The Jewish Cemetery on Prins Mauritsstraat in Bredevoort was established around 1830, concurrently with the adjacent general cemetery. The site became available following the dismantling of the fortifications on the eastern side of the town.

    The last Jews from Bredevoort to be interred at this cemetery were siblings Levi and Sara Sander. Both passed away in 1938, shortly after one another. The cemetery is not open to the public.

    Two Jewish cemeteries

    Bredevoort once had two Jewish cemeteries. The oldest was located on the former castle grounds behind Hozenstraat 5. In 1953, this site was sold to the municipality of Aalten for housing construction. The remains and tombstones were then transferred to the second cemetery on the Prins Mauritsstraat.

    Location of the former Jewish cemetery on Hozenstraat
    Location of the former Jewish cemetery on Hozenstraat

    Maintenance and Restoration

    Initially, the cemetery was maintained by the municipality. Since 2018, volunteers from the Bredevoorts Belang association have been responsible for mowing the grass and keeping the walls and the 12 gravestones free of climbing plants. In 2022, restoration work began to repair cracks in the walls, renew the pointing, and refurbish the gate.

    Features

    Cadastral no.A-1143
    FunctionCemetery
    Establishmentc. 1830
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    View the graves on Findagrave.

    Jewish Cemetery Bredevoort – Dagblad Tubantia, 30 November 1953
    Dagblad Tubantia, 30 November 1953
  • Jewish Cemetery Aalten

    Jewish Cemetery Aalten

    Haartsestraat 150, Aalten

    Gate, Jewish Cemetery, Haartsestraat, Aalten
    Gate, Jewish Cemetery Aalten

    The Jewish cemetery of Aalten, located on Haartsestraat, has a rich history dating back to the beginning of the 19th century. Although the site officially became the property of the Jewish community in 1852, there are indications that the cemetery had been in use since approximately 1820.

    The cemetery is situated in a wooded area and is enclosed by sturdy fencing. The older section consists of a low, densely wooded hill with scattered funerary monuments. To the east lies the newer section, which is characterized by an orthogonal layout.

    There are approximately seventy gravestones on the grounds, varying in age and design. At the entrance on Haartsestraat stands a metaheerhuis (mortuary), a ritual building used for the purification of the deceased according to Jewish traditions.

    During World War II, the cemetery was damaged, but it was restored after the war. In memory of the Jewish children from the municipality who were deported and killed during the war, a plaque has been placed on the facade of the metaheerhuis.

    Plaque, Jewish Cemetery Aalten
    Plaque, Jewish Cemetery Aalten

    Features

    Cadastral no.D-4461
    FunctionCemetery
    Establishmentca. 1820
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    View the graves on Findagrave.

  • Berkenhove Cemetery

    Berkenhove Cemetery

    Romienendiek 2a, Aalten

    Berkenhove Cemetery, Aalten

    At the beginning of the 20th century, the Old Cemetery on the Varsseveldsestraatweg became increasingly enclosed by the expanding development of the village of Aalten. This made the establishment of a new general cemetery necessary.

    In 1920, the municipality purchased the Oosterman farm near ’t Walfort with the intention of creating a new general cemetery there. This plan ultimately did not proceed. Instead, a suitable site was found on the Romienendiek, where the ‘Berkenhove’ cemetery was brought into use in 1923.

    The original section of Berkenhove is enclosed between Romienendiek, Barloseweg, and Koningsweg. Over the years, the cemetery has been expanded regularly. In 1960, a Catholic section was added because the Roman Catholic cemetery on Piet Heinstraat had reached capacity. The new Roman Catholic cemetery was consecrated by Father Kerkhofs. The priest himself found his final resting place there in 1964.

    The oldest part of Berkenhove features an orthogonal layout, with rows of graves along a central path, surrounded by a rich variety of trees and shrubs. The cemetery was later extended to the northern side of the Koningsweg.

    Funeral Centre and Crematorium

    Located at Berkenhove is a modern funeral centre and crematorium, managed by GUV. In 2015, a scattering field called ‘De Akker’ (The Field) was established adjacent to the cemetery, providing space for the scattering of ashes, urn graves, and a columbarium wall.

    War Victims

    A lasting memorial to their sacrifice for our regained freedom are the 18 uniform headstones in this cemetery. These mark the graves of five British airmen who crashed in IJzerlo and 12 British soldiers from the ground forces who fell during the liberation of Aalten in April 1945. Alongside the graves of the British war victims lies the grave of resistance fighter Cornelis (Kees) Ruizendaal.

    Furthermore, dozens of other graves of war victims can be found at Berkenhove. Many of these graves are marked as such.

    Features

    Cadastral no.L-1938/O-45
    FunctionCemetery
    ListedMunicipal
    monument

    Sources

    View the graves on Findagrave.

    War graves at Berkenhove Cemetery (photo: Hermann Hinsenveld)
    War graves at Berkenhove Cemetery (photo: Hermann Hinsenveld)
    R.C. cemetery Berkenhove consecrated - Tubantia, 1960-10-03
    Tubantia, 3 October 1960
  • Burial mound Nannielaantje

    Burial mound Nannielaantje

    Nannielaantje, Aalten

    Burial mound, Nannielaantje, Aalten

    Located on the former ‘t Smees estate at the Nannielaantje is a unique burial mound. The estate was once owned by Christiaan Caspar Stumph and his wife Jeanne Lesturgeon. Stumph served as the first mayor of Aalten from 1811 to 1818. The municipal secretary’s office was also situated on the estate.

    It was Stumph’s wish to find his final resting place here. He was frustrated by the poor conditions of burials within or near churches. In 1818, during the Romantic era, he arranged a ‘private outdoor cemetery’ for himself and his relatives.

    His last will and testament read as follows:

    “After my death, I wish and desire to be of no harm to my fellow man. As our national government remains backward in putting an end to burials inside churches and in churchyards within towns—as is done in France, Germany, Italy, and elsewhere—and in directing them to spacious burial grounds outside, I have (…) caused a site to be prepared in one of the Smees meadows, specifically the one adjacent to Smees Hoflanden. This small plot of land, my property, I will and desire to be respected and honoured as a sanctuary after my passing.”

    Those Buried Here

    On 28 July 1818, at 5 o’clock in the morning, son Abraham Antonij Stumph was buried at this outdoor cemetery. He was 34 years old and a notary by profession. He had drowned in the Slingebeek stream. Local legend suggested his death was linked to a broken heart. A year later, the 74-year-old Christiaan Caspar Stumph married 30-year-old Caatje Weversborg, the daughter of the tenant farmer at ‘t Smees. In January 1820, eight months after this marriage, Stumph himself was buried at ‘t Smees in accordance with his will.

    Following them, several others were interred in this meadow location: friend and VOC (Dutch East India Company) captain Johan Christiaan Rost with his wife (a daughter of Stumph from Bredevoort), their young daughter, and two grandsons. The last known owner of the mound passed away in 1913. The Municipality of Aalten has arranged for the Stichting Vrijwillig Landschapsbeheer Achterhoek (Achterhoek Voluntary Landscape Management Foundation) to maintain the burial mound.

    Features

    Cadastral no.D-5280
    FunctionCemetery
    Established1818
    Listedno

    Sources

    • Aaltensche Courant, 1 June 1948 (Delpher)
    • ‘Bloemlezing uit de historie der gemeenten Aalten – Dinxperlo – Wisch’, D.W. Kobes (Hilversum, 1966)
    • Dagblad Tubantia, 13 January 1960 (Delpher)
    • Erfgoedcentrum Achterhoek & Liemers: stichtingsakte en wilsbeschikking (2.5), 1818
    • Cadastral map
    • ‘Wortels in de Achterhoek’, Henk Harmsen

    For an overview of the individuals buried in the mound, please visit Findagrave.

    The Aaltensche Courant wrote on 1 June 1948:

    The history of the old burial mound at the Nannielaantje in Aalten

    Walking into the „Nannielaantje” from the Haartsestraat (known to older residents of Aalten as „Smeeslaantje”) and crossing the narrow bridge, one sees on the left, roughly opposite the „Aalten’s Belang” bench in the meadow, a square mound. It is overgrown with several heavy oaks and surrounded by ditches, which have gradually become almost level with the surrounding land.

    Most residents of Aalten will not know what this square mound actually is, and few are aware that it is an old burial mound, let alone any further details.

    Having happened upon the „Deed of Foundation” for this cemetery recently, it seemed interesting to share some information with readers, for the well-known „hump” in the Nannielaantje is indeed a burial ground.

    A former mayor of Aalten, C. C. Stumph, strongly disagreed with the continued practice of burying people in and around churches. Consequently, he created his own burial place in the „Smees meadows”. In the „Deed of Foundation”, dated 2 May 1818, everything is precisely described. The maintenance of this cemetery was arranged and the compensation for it established.

    Including the entire „Deed of Foundation” would require too much space. A few passages follow here:

    „After my death, I wish and desire to be of no harm to my fellow man. However, as our National Government remains backward in—as in Germany, France, Italy, and elsewhere—ceasing burials within Churches and in Churchyards within towns and referring them to more spacious burial grounds outside: I have, so that my earthly remains may be entrusted to the Earth undisturbed! and my Bones may rest in Peace, already for several years, caused a Private Outdoor Cemetery to be prepared for myself in one of the Smees meadows, specifically the one against Smees Hoflanden.

    This small plot of ground, my property, I will and desire that after my death, it shall be respected and honoured as a Sanctuary in a certain respect, by whomsoever, be it my Heir or Heirs, or legal successor! Declaring the same hereby as forever inalienable and untransferable.

    And so that this Cemetery, in the order it currently is, or shall be at my passing, be continuously maintained annually in the future, I attach and bind to it (for and to settle the costs of that maintenance) that dagmat [day’s mowing] of land in which it is situated.

    With the maintenance and upkeep after my death, the resident or residents of the dwelling house standing on Smees shall be and remain charged! who shall also for this purpose enjoy the annual proceeds of that dagmat of land or the (…), and the meadow on both sides along the ditches belonging to that dagmat and along the stream growing soft-wood timber, free of charge; also with the promise to be allowed to cut and use the grass on that Cemetery, and also of the ditches belonging thereto and to that dagmat, twice a year, however, sparing the

    weeping willows or other shrubs or flowers thereon, these being an exception to the aforementioned soft-wood timber, and furthermore the right to allow two cows to graze in that meadow after the grass has been mown, in the aftermath or late grass, with the Beasts brought therein by or on behalf of the Owner of that meadow, also to be grazed free of charge.”

    In the remainder of the document, the minister of the Reformed Church was charged with supervision. „The Minister or Ministers of the Reformed Congregation of Aalten at the time are invited and urgently requested to kindly take upon themselves the Supervisions! Granting for that purpose the faculty, in the event of no proper maintenance and supervision: without any consultation or notice, to entrust that maintenance with the attached enjoyment thereof to a more diligent and vigilant subject!”

    After several further provisions, the deed ends as follows: „Thus disposed and drawn up this second of May 1818, following his signature, was signed: C. C. Stumph.” This Mayor Stumph, who passed away a few years later, is not the only person buried here.

    Information regarding this was received from a relative who still possesses the old Bible and other family papers:

    A sister of Mayor Stumph, Christina Petronella, born in 1786, was married to one Johan Christiaan Rost, born 15-12-1766. (This Rost originally came from Germany. He lived at „’t Smees”, which was later sold to Mr Slicher van Bath). They died in 1827 and 1835 respectively and were both buried at „’t Smees”.

    The Rost-Stumph couple had 4 children:

    1. Henriette Willemina Christina Theodora, born 21-6-1817 (she later married Dr Servaas van Leuven, the father of the late Dr Adriaan van Leuven).
    2. Willemina Johanna, born 11-06-1819
    3. Louisa Benjamina
    4. Elisa Charlotte, born 13-03-1823

    Two of these children, namely Willemina Johanna and Elisa Charlotte, died in 1835 and 1826 respectively and were both buried at „’t Smees”. Dr Servaas van Leuven had 10 children. He lived in the building on Bredevoortsestraat where the Volksslagerij (People’s Butchery) is now located. Of these 10 children, two died at a very young age and were also buried at „’t Smees”. These were:

    1. Johannes Adrianes, born 23-03-1839 and died 06-04-1840
    2. Karel, born 10-01-1861 and died 18-08-1862

    These were therefore two brothers of Dr Adriaan van Leuven.

    It is therefore known with certainty that 7 people are buried at the „’t Smees” cemetery. It is understood that there are plans to provide a fence for this old burial mound, which is now often used as a playground by the youth.