February 28,1944
Corrie went back upstairs after the talk with this man. After awhile she fell asleep because being sick just takes s much out of you. Inher dream she said she kept on hearing a bell ringing, but when she woke up it definately wasn't a dream. She had no idea what was going on. She didn't think there was a drill today. It wasn't a drill sadly enough. As she opened here eyes she could see the Jews rushing themselves into the secret room and going as fast as possible to shut the door.
The door flew wide open adn a man stood in the doorway.
"What is your name?"
"Cornelia Ten Boom."
"Get up. Get dressed. So your the ring leader, huh? Tell me now! Where are the Jews?"
"I am sorry but I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Let me guess...you have no idea about an underground ring either. Well, we will just have to see about that!"
She stumbled down the stairs wondering if the prayer meeting had ended and was also wondering if Willem, Nollie, and Peter had all gotten away safely. Then once she rounded the corner she saw Father, Betsie, and Toos all lined up against the wall sitting in chairs. A Gestapo named Kapteyn took her into the front room and slammed her against the wall.
"Where are the Jews?"
"There are no Jews here." Then the man struck her aggressively across the face.
"Where do you hide the ration cards?"
"I don't know what you are..." Then the man struck her again.
" Where is the secret room?"
" Lord Jesus," she cried, " protect me!"
" If you say the name again I'll kill you!"
)Thsi surely didn't get any better. Just worse.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sorry...
February 28, 1944
I appologize for not writing in the past two years. Everything has been so calm and collected lately that it would've gotten less exciting reading about how calm all of the days were and how it was the same routine every single day. Well now I have more to write about since a man has come to my house in need of money to save his wife.
I appologize for not writing in the past two years. Everything has been so calm and collected lately that it would've gotten less exciting reading about how calm all of the days were and how it was the same routine every single day. Well now I have more to write about since a man has come to my house in need of money to save his wife.
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Trap... Part 1
February 28 1944
This morning Corrie wasn't feeling good so she stayed in bed and rested for awhile. She opened her eyes from hearing all of the sudden commotion. The first person she saw was Eusie with his night clothes and his bedding. That stubborn old man. He would never work. Well, it was his peresonality and I had to respect it no matter how much it bugged me that he wouldn't help out around here. Her body felt like it had been lit on fire. She had influenza. Then she heard Henk, Meta, and Mary come throgh. All of our guests were entering the secret room. Then I came in and said to her, '' Corrie, there is a man downstairs that wishes to talk only to you. I am so sorry to disturb you."
" It's alright. I have to get out of bed anyway. The ration cards will be coming tomorrow."
"Yes." I said as I walked downstairs adn saw the man standing in the middle of the room with a sad and serious look on his face. I had noticed that the madn was from Ermelo.
"It is something much more serious." My wife has just been arrested. My wife and I were hiding Jews in our house. If she is asked to be questioned it would put all of our lives in jeopardy."
"I have no idea how I can help."
"Well...I would need six hundred guilders to give to the policeman who I can bribe for the amount."
"Any contacts?"
" Miss Ten Boom. This is a life or death situation and if I dont get that money now then my poor wife will be taken to Amsterdam and then it will be too late."
" Okey then. I'll get you the money."
" I will never forget this. Ever."
This morning Corrie wasn't feeling good so she stayed in bed and rested for awhile. She opened her eyes from hearing all of the sudden commotion. The first person she saw was Eusie with his night clothes and his bedding. That stubborn old man. He would never work. Well, it was his peresonality and I had to respect it no matter how much it bugged me that he wouldn't help out around here. Her body felt like it had been lit on fire. She had influenza. Then she heard Henk, Meta, and Mary come throgh. All of our guests were entering the secret room. Then I came in and said to her, '' Corrie, there is a man downstairs that wishes to talk only to you. I am so sorry to disturb you."
" It's alright. I have to get out of bed anyway. The ration cards will be coming tomorrow."
"Yes." I said as I walked downstairs adn saw the man standing in the middle of the room with a sad and serious look on his face. I had noticed that the madn was from Ermelo.
"It is something much more serious." My wife has just been arrested. My wife and I were hiding Jews in our house. If she is asked to be questioned it would put all of our lives in jeopardy."
"I have no idea how I can help."
"Well...I would need six hundred guilders to give to the policeman who I can bribe for the amount."
"Any contacts?"
" Miss Ten Boom. This is a life or death situation and if I dont get that money now then my poor wife will be taken to Amsterdam and then it will be too late."
" Okey then. I'll get you the money."
" I will never forget this. Ever."
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Secret Room
July 9,1942
The process of the secret room had begun. Mr. Smit carried in tools in folded newspaper and bricks in briefcases. A few days later the secret room was complete. Once you walked into Corrie's bedroom an overwhelming scent of fresh paint filled the room. Built-in bookshelves were arranged along the false wall. On the left hand corner was another bookshelf. Beneath the bottom shelf was a sliding panel. This would be where the Jews would enter the secret room. The secret room was very skinny. It was only one cot wide. Corrie and I crawled throught the panel and tried to stretch out one the single mattress. It was a very small and confined space. Although it was a good thing to have a concealed vent that let in fresh air. Corrie and I could tell that this would be almost impossible for a Nazi to find his clever hiding place.
The process of the secret room had begun. Mr. Smit carried in tools in folded newspaper and bricks in briefcases. A few days later the secret room was complete. Once you walked into Corrie's bedroom an overwhelming scent of fresh paint filled the room. Built-in bookshelves were arranged along the false wall. On the left hand corner was another bookshelf. Beneath the bottom shelf was a sliding panel. This would be where the Jews would enter the secret room. The secret room was very skinny. It was only one cot wide. Corrie and I crawled throught the panel and tried to stretch out one the single mattress. It was a very small and confined space. Although it was a good thing to have a concealed vent that let in fresh air. Corrie and I could tell that this would be almost impossible for a Nazi to find his clever hiding place.
Mr. Smit's Inspection
July 8,1942
I heard a knock on the door today! It was Mr. Smit who Pickwick said would stop by to inspect the house. Father didn't quite know what was going on at first. He started to ask Mr. Smit if he was ralated t a man he knew. I stopped him before he finished that sentence though. He looked around the house. Once he stepped into Corrie's room he had an idea.
"I've got it! This will be the place where the secret room will be. It is perfect." This is my room Corrie thought to herself once he said that. She wanted to help people, but when it came to her giving up half of her room she though it went a little to far. She was telling me how it was a little awkward because she really wanted to say something to Mr. Smit, but she never wanted to tell him that he couldn't build a secret room. After all at this time we all had to pull together as a community and help each other out as much as possible. Eventually, Corrie told me she would be fine with it. I think she finally came to her senses about it. I was happy to see here fine with sharing a room.
I heard a knock on the door today! It was Mr. Smit who Pickwick said would stop by to inspect the house. Father didn't quite know what was going on at first. He started to ask Mr. Smit if he was ralated t a man he knew. I stopped him before he finished that sentence though. He looked around the house. Once he stepped into Corrie's room he had an idea.
"I've got it! This will be the place where the secret room will be. It is perfect." This is my room Corrie thought to herself once he said that. She wanted to help people, but when it came to her giving up half of her room she though it went a little to far. She was telling me how it was a little awkward because she really wanted to say something to Mr. Smit, but she never wanted to tell him that he couldn't build a secret room. After all at this time we all had to pull together as a community and help each other out as much as possible. Eventually, Corrie told me she would be fine with it. I think she finally came to her senses about it. I was happy to see here fine with sharing a room.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Pickwick!
Later in the evening on July 5, 1942
After letting the family in Corrie looked out the door to see down the alley way and there way Kik.
"Come!"
"Now? Long after curfew?"
"Put a hand on my shoulder."
We rode down the alley way and through dark streets. At last infront of us stood a man...Pickwick! I couldn't believe my eyes! There he was sipping his black, Dutch coffee.
"Ask for Mr. Smit" Pickwick said in a whisper.
"It is the only last name in the underground."
I couldn't believe it! This was the real undergrounf! Then, how come I have never seen anyone apart of it? Where were all of these people from? I didn't know where they were all from. Then I realized that I was part of a national meeting. Wow!
Pickwick introduced me to a man not to far away form him.
"So I hear that there is no secret room in your headquarters?"
"No. There is no secret headquarters at the time."
"Okay. Then later I will send Mr. Smit to come and inspect the house."
After letting the family in Corrie looked out the door to see down the alley way and there way Kik.
"Come!"
"Now? Long after curfew?"
"Put a hand on my shoulder."
We rode down the alley way and through dark streets. At last infront of us stood a man...Pickwick! I couldn't believe my eyes! There he was sipping his black, Dutch coffee.
"Ask for Mr. Smit" Pickwick said in a whisper.
"It is the only last name in the underground."
I couldn't believe it! This was the real undergrounf! Then, how come I have never seen anyone apart of it? Where were all of these people from? I didn't know where they were all from. Then I realized that I was part of a national meeting. Wow!
Pickwick introduced me to a man not to far away form him.
"So I hear that there is no secret room in your headquarters?"
"No. There is no secret headquarters at the time."
"Okay. Then later I will send Mr. Smit to come and inspect the house."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Another unexpected visit
July 5, 1942
A few nights after Fred visited us the alley bell on the alley door ranged way past curfew. Corrie and I were expecting another refugee. We had already prepared the beds for the four new overnight guests. We opened the door. In the doorway was a woman and her three children. We welcomed them in. The children seemed more frightened then I had ever seen. They came in and are slowly getting comfortable with the place. I hope they don't feel like strangers because they aren't anymore. They are like part of the family.
A few nights after Fred visited us the alley bell on the alley door ranged way past curfew. Corrie and I were expecting another refugee. We had already prepared the beds for the four new overnight guests. We opened the door. In the doorway was a woman and her three children. We welcomed them in. The children seemed more frightened then I had ever seen. They came in and are slowly getting comfortable with the place. I hope they don't feel like strangers because they aren't anymore. They are like part of the family.
Remembering Willem's advice
July 2, 1942
"You must develop your own sources." This phrase kept on coming back into my head. Then...it finally hiy me. Fred Koornstra was a friend and he has now become a source. I thought again and said to my self...we are friends with half of Harlem. We have friends that have all kinds of jobs in this town. We knew nurses at matenity hospitals and clerks at the Records Office. This could help us in so many ways. The only thing that might hinder the process would be the fact that we didn't know the political views of these people. God knew though. He is leading in a path and I shall take it.
"You must develop your own sources." This phrase kept on coming back into my head. Then...it finally hiy me. Fred Koornstra was a friend and he has now become a source. I thought again and said to my self...we are friends with half of Harlem. We have friends that have all kinds of jobs in this town. We knew nurses at matenity hospitals and clerks at the Records Office. This could help us in so many ways. The only thing that might hinder the process would be the fact that we didn't know the political views of these people. God knew though. He is leading in a path and I shall take it.
The test of the ration card system...
July 1, 1942
Today would be the first test of our new system. Fred would come into the shop as he always would and hide the ration cards beneath the shirt so the manila envelope would not be visible. Fred was supposed to arrive here at the Beje at 5:30 this evening. Unexpectedly five minutes before Fred's scheduled arrival a policeman walks in. I had recognized him from before. His name was Rolf van Vliet. He was definately not one of my "regular" people that would come in and have coffee in the morning. Rolf had brought in a watch. He walked over to Father and handed him the watch. Father removed the back of the watch and examined it.
The only problem now was that there was no way for Fred Koornstra to be alarmed that he should not come in until after the policeman was long gone. Then at 5:30 in comes Fred with his chest a foot thicker at the least. Fred stayed calm and nodded to the policeman. Oddly enough Fred goes to the rear of the shop and shuts alley door behind him. Then he enters once more after he had placed the manila envelope with all the ration cards inside a secret bin. Corrie and I were only concerned about the fact that the policeman might have heard the secret lid open.
Since we had the ration cards now we were able to give the people the ration cards and find safe places to stay for the time being.
Today would be the first test of our new system. Fred would come into the shop as he always would and hide the ration cards beneath the shirt so the manila envelope would not be visible. Fred was supposed to arrive here at the Beje at 5:30 this evening. Unexpectedly five minutes before Fred's scheduled arrival a policeman walks in. I had recognized him from before. His name was Rolf van Vliet. He was definately not one of my "regular" people that would come in and have coffee in the morning. Rolf had brought in a watch. He walked over to Father and handed him the watch. Father removed the back of the watch and examined it.
The only problem now was that there was no way for Fred Koornstra to be alarmed that he should not come in until after the policeman was long gone. Then at 5:30 in comes Fred with his chest a foot thicker at the least. Fred stayed calm and nodded to the policeman. Oddly enough Fred goes to the rear of the shop and shuts alley door behind him. Then he enters once more after he had placed the manila envelope with all the ration cards inside a secret bin. Corrie and I were only concerned about the fact that the policeman might have heard the secret lid open.
Since we had the ration cards now we were able to give the people the ration cards and find safe places to stay for the time being.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The following week...
June 11, 1942
Today Fred visited us. We all gasped when we saw him. His lip was cut and swollen. His eyes were a combination of green and purple. He had the ration cards. They were on the table in a brown manila envelope. It was a sigh of relief that corrie and I let out as soon as we noticed the envelope. In the manila envelope were passports to a safe place.
Fred, Corrie, and I discussed the fact that it would be entirely to risky to continue coming to his house each month. Instead, we had decided that he would visit the Beje every month in his meterman uniform so it would cause no suspicion. There. The whole plan was all set up. Fred would arrive around noon at the end of each month in his meterman uniform and give us the ration cards that were needed. Corrie, Father, and I hoped that the plan would work. We also hoped that we wouldn't get caught.
Today Fred visited us. We all gasped when we saw him. His lip was cut and swollen. His eyes were a combination of green and purple. He had the ration cards. They were on the table in a brown manila envelope. It was a sigh of relief that corrie and I let out as soon as we noticed the envelope. In the manila envelope were passports to a safe place.
Fred, Corrie, and I discussed the fact that it would be entirely to risky to continue coming to his house each month. Instead, we had decided that he would visit the Beje every month in his meterman uniform so it would cause no suspicion. There. The whole plan was all set up. Fred would arrive around noon at the end of each month in his meterman uniform and give us the ration cards that were needed. Corrie, Father, and I hoped that the plan would work. We also hoped that we wouldn't get caught.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fred Koornstra and Corrie's meeting
June 4, 1942
Corrie explained to me how the meeting went with Fred Koornstra yesterday evening. Of course, she had to say something about the man. She said that when he opened the door he stared blankly at her when she told him that she came to talk about the Sunday service. The man let her in and after he closed the door he asked, " Corrie, what is the real reason you came to talk to me?"
Corrie told me that she said a silent prayer to herself before answering the man's questions. The she answered, but with hesitance saying,"Fred, I must tell you that lately there have been some unexpected guests that have been arriving a few days apart. The first person was a single woman,the second was an elderly couple, and another couple arrived this afternoon when I returned to the Beje."The Corrie paused..then said, "They are Jews. We can find places for the people to stay, but they must provide something as well...ration cards."
"So now I know why you came over here, Corrie."
"Is there any possible way that you can give us some of the extra cards? More than you report?" "I cannot, Corrie. Those cards are accounted for in a dozen ways. They are checked and double-checked. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless there was a hold up."
"A hold up?"
"Yes. The bank was robbed last month. It was robbed around noon that day."
"Well, if the process happened around noon when only the record clerk and I were there and they found us tied up...I know the man who would do it! Do you remember..."
"I dont want to know the details just get the cards if possible."
Now we are just waiting for this whole thing to happen and hope that everything goes as planned and without disruptions. Well, I will talk to you soon. Hopefully by that time Corrie and I will have the rations cards. Till then...good bye.
Corrie explained to me how the meeting went with Fred Koornstra yesterday evening. Of course, she had to say something about the man. She said that when he opened the door he stared blankly at her when she told him that she came to talk about the Sunday service. The man let her in and after he closed the door he asked, " Corrie, what is the real reason you came to talk to me?"
Corrie told me that she said a silent prayer to herself before answering the man's questions. The she answered, but with hesitance saying,"Fred, I must tell you that lately there have been some unexpected guests that have been arriving a few days apart. The first person was a single woman,the second was an elderly couple, and another couple arrived this afternoon when I returned to the Beje."The Corrie paused..then said, "They are Jews. We can find places for the people to stay, but they must provide something as well...ration cards."
"So now I know why you came over here, Corrie."
"Is there any possible way that you can give us some of the extra cards? More than you report?" "I cannot, Corrie. Those cards are accounted for in a dozen ways. They are checked and double-checked. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless there was a hold up."
"A hold up?"
"Yes. The bank was robbed last month. It was robbed around noon that day."
"Well, if the process happened around noon when only the record clerk and I were there and they found us tied up...I know the man who would do it! Do you remember..."
"I dont want to know the details just get the cards if possible."
Now we are just waiting for this whole thing to happen and hope that everything goes as planned and without disruptions. Well, I will talk to you soon. Hopefully by that time Corrie and I will have the rations cards. Till then...good bye.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
An unexpected idea... Fred Koornstra
June 3,1942
"Earlier today as I was returning from my disappointing visit to Hilversum. While I was on my way beack home on the crowded train I had an idea. You and I both know Fred Koornstra. He was the man who used to read the electric meter. Currently, Fred has a job at the Food Office." Corrie said as she was explaining to me as she sat across the table with a cheerful grin on her face.
"Corrie...are you saying that we should ask Fred for the ration cards?"
"I am going after dinner to go and talk to him about the ration cards."
After dinner was finished Corrie rushed out the alley door and took her old biscycle for a ride to the Koornstra's house. I could see from out the window that Corrie tires weren't going to hold on much longer. A little was down the road where I could vaguely see her I noticed that she had stopped her bike took a look at her given out tires. I always knew thoses tires who give out one day. Then she just jumped right back on and proceeded down the road with only metal rims to go on. Not to forget that the roads' bricks were rigid and uneven. She rode her bike around the corner and I would not know what went on at the Koorstras house until she came back. I'll give you the information on the meeting tomorrow morning. Good bye.
"Earlier today as I was returning from my disappointing visit to Hilversum. While I was on my way beack home on the crowded train I had an idea. You and I both know Fred Koornstra. He was the man who used to read the electric meter. Currently, Fred has a job at the Food Office." Corrie said as she was explaining to me as she sat across the table with a cheerful grin on her face.
"Corrie...are you saying that we should ask Fred for the ration cards?"
"I am going after dinner to go and talk to him about the ration cards."
After dinner was finished Corrie rushed out the alley door and took her old biscycle for a ride to the Koornstra's house. I could see from out the window that Corrie tires weren't going to hold on much longer. A little was down the road where I could vaguely see her I noticed that she had stopped her bike took a look at her given out tires. I always knew thoses tires who give out one day. Then she just jumped right back on and proceeded down the road with only metal rims to go on. Not to forget that the roads' bricks were rigid and uneven. She rode her bike around the corner and I would not know what went on at the Koorstras house until she came back. I'll give you the information on the meeting tomorrow morning. Good bye.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My Trip To Hilversum
June 2, 1942
This morning I am preparing myself for the trip to Hilversum. I had to visit Willem because he would be the only person that could help me when I need help figuring out what to do with the three Jews staying with us at the Beje.
Once I arrived in Hilversum I found my way back to Willem's house. I told him that we were keeping three Jews right at the Beje.
''Could you get the Jews places to hide temporarily in the country?"
"Well, it is definately getting harder and harder each month. The soldiers are looking even harder now. They are even feeling food storage on the farms. I do have a few addresses, but the only problem is that the people there won't take anyone without a ration card."
"Jews are not issued ration cards though!"
"I am aware of that. I am also aware of the fact that the ration crads cannot be counterfitted."
As you can tell this whole thing is not going as smooth as was intended. I think Willem and I both realized the fact that these times are getting tougher and tougher by the day. It is as if nowhere is safe anymore. It's as if each man is in it for themselves. Ti think that this was only the beginning made it even more painful.
"The only way to iget you hands on ration cards...is to steal them."
"Steal them!"
"Well, will you steal the three ration cards that we need?"
"No! Corrie I can't steal ration cards. I am watched! Ever move I make at any hour of the day is watch! Don't you know that? I think you would be better off creating your own sources."
This morning I am preparing myself for the trip to Hilversum. I had to visit Willem because he would be the only person that could help me when I need help figuring out what to do with the three Jews staying with us at the Beje.
Once I arrived in Hilversum I found my way back to Willem's house. I told him that we were keeping three Jews right at the Beje.
''Could you get the Jews places to hide temporarily in the country?"
"Well, it is definately getting harder and harder each month. The soldiers are looking even harder now. They are even feeling food storage on the farms. I do have a few addresses, but the only problem is that the people there won't take anyone without a ration card."
"Jews are not issued ration cards though!"
"I am aware of that. I am also aware of the fact that the ration crads cannot be counterfitted."
As you can tell this whole thing is not going as smooth as was intended. I think Willem and I both realized the fact that these times are getting tougher and tougher by the day. It is as if nowhere is safe anymore. It's as if each man is in it for themselves. Ti think that this was only the beginning made it even more painful.
"The only way to iget you hands on ration cards...is to steal them."
"Steal them!"
"Well, will you steal the three ration cards that we need?"
"No! Corrie I can't steal ration cards. I am watched! Ever move I make at any hour of the day is watch! Don't you know that? I think you would be better off creating your own sources."
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The night after prayer time
June 1, 1942
It was the next night. The day after the six of us had our evening prayer all together. Tonight we faced our dilemma. We all started to have bad thoughts. They were filled with thinking about the fact that we are a block away from the main police headquarters.
It was definately one of those times to go visit Willem. So in the morning I will take a train to Willem's house and talk to him about what has been happening. Well, I better get a good night sleep so I will be good and rested for tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes. I hope it does go well.
Sweet dreams!
It was the next night. The day after the six of us had our evening prayer all together. Tonight we faced our dilemma. We all started to have bad thoughts. They were filled with thinking about the fact that we are a block away from the main police headquarters.
It was definately one of those times to go visit Willem. So in the morning I will take a train to Willem's house and talk to him about what has been happening. Well, I better get a good night sleep so I will be good and rested for tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes. I hope it does go well.
Sweet dreams!
The start of The Hiding Place
May 29, 1942
It has been a few days since Mrs. Kleermaker first knocked on our door. She is a very grateful woman and the first to be allowed to help Betsie in the kitchen. People would always ask Betsie if she would like them to assist her in the kitchen but she would always reply saying, " I'm just a fussy old maid."
Somehow it was different this time. Mrs. Kleermaker jumped out of her seat and began stacking plates and cups. We can now tell that she seems to be a very tidy woman.
Another knock was at the door. Strangely enough it was just about 8:00 which was around the same time that Mrs. Kleermaker knocked on our door. Outside the alley door stood an elderly couple. Corrie welcomed them in. They all seemed to have the same look on their faces. It was a look that all of us had on our faces these days. I face full of fear for what tomorrow would bring.
It has been a few days since Mrs. Kleermaker first knocked on our door. She is a very grateful woman and the first to be allowed to help Betsie in the kitchen. People would always ask Betsie if she would like them to assist her in the kitchen but she would always reply saying, " I'm just a fussy old maid."
Somehow it was different this time. Mrs. Kleermaker jumped out of her seat and began stacking plates and cups. We can now tell that she seems to be a very tidy woman.
Another knock was at the door. Strangely enough it was just about 8:00 which was around the same time that Mrs. Kleermaker knocked on our door. Outside the alley door stood an elderly couple. Corrie welcomed them in. They all seemed to have the same look on their faces. It was a look that all of us had on our faces these days. I face full of fear for what tomorrow would bring.
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