My search across 4 continents for Corrie ten Boom, a watchmaker’s daughter who rescued hundreds of Dutch Jews from death during the Holocaust.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Corrie ten Boom
- 2 Corrie in Paraguay
- 3 The Hiding Place (1975) Motion Picture
- 4 Corrie in Auschwitz
- 5 Corrie in Jerusalem
- 6 Yad Vashem Gallery
- 7 Corrie in Holland
- 8 Haarlem Gallery
- 9 St. Bavo’s Church
- 10 St. Bavo’s Gallery
- 11 The Beje
- 12 The Beje & Hiding Place Gallery
- 13 Corrie in California
- 14 Reflections
- 15 We Would Love to Hear From You
- 16 Map It!
- 17 Helpful Links
- 18 Pin this Post!
Corrie ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom was a watchmaker’s daughter, who herself became the first female licensed watchmaker in Holland. The Ten Booms were devout Christians who out of deep conviction joined the Dutch Resistance during World War II and risked their lives to rescue hundreds of Dutch Jews.
The “Beje,” the Ten Boom home in Haarlem, was dubbed “God’s Underground” because of their reputation of never turning away anyone who knocked at their door for help. Most Jews who sought shelter in the Ten Boom home stayed there temporarily until they could be relocated to safer locations. In order to protect the Jews in the Ten Boom home should there be a raid by the Gestapo, they built a fake wall with a secret closet entry in Corrie’s third floor bedroom.
As fate would have it, the Beje was raided, and the Ten Booms were arrested on ration card violations. Corrie’s father, Papa ten Boom died shortly after the arrest, and Corrie along with her sister Betsie were ultimately ordered to the Ravensbrück concentration camp in Northern Germany. Betsie died in the camp, but Corrie was eventually released on a clerical error just days before all women prisoners her age were put to death.
In the years following World War II, Corrie ten Boom traveled the world sharing her message of faith and hope. In 1967, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, recognized Corrie as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, an honor bestowed upon Gentiles who rescued Jews during the European Holocaust.
In 1971, Corrie published her best-selling book The Hiding Place.
Corrie in Paraguay
I first heard of Corrie ten Boom when I read The Hiding Place in 1973 or 1974. I was a sophomore in high school and living at the time in Asunción, Paraguay, where my parents were serving as Christian missionaries.
The book I read as a teen and the current cover.
I do not recall whether this was the first time I learned about the European Holocaust, but I do remember hearing frequent rumors about fugitive Nazis who had fled Europe to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, to escape war crime prosecution, the most infamous being Josef Mengele, Auschwitz’s “Angel of Death.”
Note: The rumors from my youth proved to be accurate in 1992 when DNA testing confirmed that a body exhumed from a Brazilian grave was indeed Mengele.
Meeting Corrie ten Boom through the pages of The Hiding Place affected me so profoundly at age 15 that it sparked a lifelong desire to learn more about this amazing woman.
The Hiding Place (1975) Motion Picture
The Hiding Place was adapted as a major motion picture in 1975 by World Wide Pictures, a subsidiary of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The original movie poster and DVD cover art are pictured above.
In addition to the trailer above, a high-definition presentation of the full motion picture is available on YouTube.
Corrie in Auschwitz
Many years passed, and my admiration for Corrie ten Boom never wavered. After earning a degree in education I became a public school teacher. I practiced whole language methodology and typically designed units of study around literary works or historical periods. Corrie and The Hiding Place were a part of my culminating unit on World War II and the Holocaust every year.
When I learned that I had been accepted into the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teachers’ Program and that we would be studying at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, I knew the first thing I wanted to find was Corrie ten Boom’s tree in the Garden of the Righteous. As a Holocaust educator I had read and studied the unselfish acts of many rescuers over the years, and I wanted to scout out their trees as well. But there was something about finding Corrie’s tree that felt more like a station along a pilgrim’s path to me.
Before heading to Israel we would be spending a week in Poland listening to testimonies of Holocaust survivors, touring the former locations of the Warsaw and Krakow ghettoes, and visiting the sites of concentration camps, including the infamous Auschwitz death camp.
Our first stop was at Auschwitz I. Although it was not the systematic death factory of its successor Auschwitz-Birkenau, it too had been the site of many unspeakable atrocities. I was intrigued by with how much these benign brick buildings resembled a college campus.
I was not looking for Corrie ten Boom as I ambled through one of the buildings that had been converted into a museum, when suddenly there she was. Not Corrie herself, but a photo from July 1943 of a hiding place exercise in her bedroom, featured in a display about the Dutch Resistance.
I would soon learn that my search for Corrie ten Boom at Yad Vashem would be put on hold. While still in Poland, news reached us that the conflict between Israel and Lebanon had intensified. Because missiles had struck near our host hotel in Nahariya, our program directors decided in the interest of safety it would be best for our group to return to the United States. In spite of our disappointment, we departed with hope, speaking the words from the Passover Seder, “Next year in Jerusalem . . . .”
Corrie in Jerusalem
Entrance to Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
Our hopes turned to reality the following summer when the HAJRTP directors arranged for us to meet the new group of teachers in Israel. My search for Corrie ten Boom in Jerusalem would move ahead.
Arriving at Yad Vashem, it did not take long to find Corrie’s tree, but I immediately noticed that her tree was smaller than many of the other trees along the Avenue of the Righteous. Later, I learned that the original tree planted in Corrie’s honor had died within a few months of her birthday and that a new tree had been planted in its place.
Yad Vashem Gallery
Note: In 2008, Corrie’s father Casper ten Boom and her sister Elisabeth (Betsie) ten Boom were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem. Their names have been added to the nameplate beside Corrie’s tree, as well they should.
Corrie in Holland
Amsterdam’s Central Station.
A few summers back, while designing the pre- and post-travel itinerary activities for a Viking Rhine River cruise we had booked, my dormant search for Corrie ten Boom bloomed once again. We planned to spend a couple of days in Amsterdam before embarking on the cruise, so when my research revealed that Haarlem was a mere 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam’s Central Station, I knew that yet another monumental destination in my search for Corrie ten Boom had become a potential reality.
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, Jerry and I checked into our hotel and set off to find Corrie’s beloved Beje and the hiding place itself. Stepping off the train in Haarlem, I envisioned the masses of Dutch Jews sent to Central Station in Amsterdam and then on to “relocation” in Germany or Poland. Was I really walking in their footsteps?
Haarlem Station
We headed toward the center of Haarlem, meandering through angled city streets. Somehow “the overplanner” had failed to research walking directions from the train station to the Ten Boom House. No matter. Although we later learned that there was a direct 9-minute walking route between the two points, perhaps we would have missed the Haarlem experience and the thrill of the hunt.
Haarlem Gallery
St. Bavo’s Church
As it turned out, the English tour of the Beje was later in the day, so we decided to explore St. Bavo’s Church located on Haarlem’s Grote Markt, or town square.
The Ten Boom Family were members of the Dutch Reformed Church and often attended services at St. Bavo’s, a mere 3-minute walk from their home. With characteristics not unlike so many of Europe’s great cathedrals, it was easy to get lost in the majestic architecture replete with pillars, vaulted ceilings, a majestic pipe organ, and stained glass windows.
St. Bavo’s Gallery
The Beje
Site of the Ten Boom watch shop, now a privately-owned jewelers.
We returned later in the day for the English guided tour of the Beje. Touring the home of the Ten Boom family and seeing the actual hiding place in person was a monumental moment not just in my search for Corrie ten Boom, but in my life.
Although it was my first time visiting, everything seemed strangely familiar. I am sure The Hiding Place motion picture had a lot to do with it. I have seen the movie dozens of times. While the movie was not shot in the Beje, the filming location was a nearby home with similar architecture, enough perhaps that it made my experience a déjà vu of sorts.
The Beje & Hiding Place Gallery
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- Watches for sale.
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- Exterior of the Beje and location of the hiding place.
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- A brief history.
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- Side entrance to the Beje.
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- The Beje entrance from inside.
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- The Alpina triangle in the window signaled that it was safe to enter the Beje.
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- The Alpina sign from inside.
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- The parlor of the Ten Boom home.
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- The parlor piano.
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- The Ten Boom family Bible.
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- The stairs leading to Corrie’s bedroom.
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- The hiding place in Corrie’s bedroom.
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- Scripture and memorial inside the hiding place.
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- Closet entry to the hiding place.
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- Inside the hiding place.
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- Corrie in younger days.
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- Jews in hiding could sneak fresh air on the Beje rooftop.
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- View of Haarlem from the rooftop.
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- The Gestapo did not find the Jews in the hiding place during the raid. Instead they arrested the Ten Booms for possession of illegal ration cards.
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- Corrie’s books have been published in many languages.
Note: The Corrie ten Boom House Foundation has produced an interactive multi-media virtual tour of the museum with available narration in twenty languages. I highly recommend it, especially if you are not able to visit the Beje in person. The link to the virtual tour is at the bottom of this webpage.
Corrie in California
In the post-war years Corrie Ten Boom traveled the world sharing her story, as detailed in her book Tramp For the Lord.
Ultimately, Corrie suffered a series of strokes and died in Placentia, California, on April 15, 1983, her 91st birthday. In Jewish tradition, only the very blessed die on their birthdays. In Corrie’s case, that would be an accurate assumption.
On a trip to Southern California, I was able to complete yet another station on my Corrie ten Boom pilgrimage, with a visit to her gravesite.
It was an honor to be a guest at the final resting place of this amazing woman. As you would expect, it was a deeply moving experience for me. So moving, in fact, that it touches me even now as I reflect on that day.
Although I had seen photos previously, the most striking observation during my visit was the simplicity of Corrie’s headstone. Where was the granite mausoleum? Where was the towering monument to her life and accomplishments? Did no one realize who she was? Had no one recognized that this woman risked her very life as a rescuer of hundreds, if not thousands of Jews during the European Holocaust?
Then it occurred to me. Corrie wouldn’t have it any other way. Anyone who values the lives of others above their own would not care less about recognition, accolades, nor monument dimensions.
Corrie ten Boom’s modest grave marker does, however, boldly state her most deeply held belief, the same Dutch quote from a plaque that hangs in the Beje dining room, “Jezus is Overwinnaar.”
“Jesus is Victor”
Corrie ten Boom’s gravesite is located at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 East Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, California, 92705, Lawn A , Plot 501-A.
Reflections
Although I never met her in person, my search for Corrie ten Boom makes me feel like I know her well. I am sure my pilgrimage will continue to other key sites along the way.
After their arrest, Corrie and Betsie were imprisoned at Scheveningen Prison near the Hague, Camp Vught in southern Netherlands, and Ravensbrück women’s concentration camp in northern Germany, where Betsie died on December 16, 1944. Doing research for this story has ignited in me a passion to search for Corrie in those locations, as well.
There are many quotes attributed to Corrie from her books and public speaking. My favorite is actually a word of encouragement Betsie gave Corrie before she died in Ravensbrück. Corrie relays these comforting words to the viewing audience at the conclusion of The Hiding Place motion picture: “There is no pit so deep, that He is not deeper still.”
I don’t often allude to my own spiritual journey on Backroad Planet, but I will say that these words have encouraged me and strengthened my faith in a loving God because they were spoken by two courageous women who would know.
We Would Love to Hear From You
We enjoy dialogue with our readers. If you are a follower of Corrie ten Boom, we would love to hear your recollections from her life’s work. Have you been on a pilgrimage or searched the world for a hero of your own? We invite you to leave your comments and questions below, and we always respond!
Map It!
Helpful Links
The Hiding Place Book
The Hiding Place DVD
The Ten Boom Family Profile at Yad Vashem
Corrie ten Boom’s Profile on Find A Grave
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Retired from a 35-year career as a middle school teacher, Howard enjoys spending his time on anything that includes mountains, waterfalls, dachshunds, gospel choirs, books, classic movies, autumn, sandhill cranes, Florida springs, rain, gloomy days, log cabins, abandoned sites, unearthed history, genealogy, documentaries, To Kill a Mockingbird, castles, cathedrals, Civil Rights history cold sheets, National Park Passports, quotes, Reba Rambo, Dionne Warwick, anything Apple, all things British, Jesus, and lists.
And on a random note, Howard is a fourth cousin once removed to Truman Capote.
We lived on a farm in Bothell, Washington. My parents started a church (Haller Lake Baptist Church) in Seattle. My dad was a dentist, but loved farming, hence the farm. My older brothers and sisters remembered Corrie coming to our church and then mom and dad invited her home for Sunday dinner. I so wish I could remember the meeting, but was too young. I am reading “The Watchmakers Daughter” and can’t put it down. Will watch the Hiding Place next after the book.
Hi Jerry! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your memories of Corrie. Also, thanks for the heads-up about The Watchmaker’s Daughter. I had not heard of it. I just borrowed the audiobook and will read it next.
So lovely to read about your journey. As Corrie said, “But that is what the past is for!” Preparing us for our own callings and futures.
I am curious where the phrase “Jesus is Victor” came into Corrie’s life. Wasn’t it engraved somewhere in the kitchen when she was a child?
I had the opportunity to meet Elizabeth Sherrill when I lived in Chicago. I helped her figure out the elevated train station, and she told me she was in town because a book she had helped to write was being put on stage. I asked what book, and she said, “The Hiding Place.” You could have knocked me over with a feather!
She ended up sending me one of her own books, called “All the Way to Heaven.”
Corrie is on the list of top people I want to meet in Heaven. Her life has been such an inspiration to me from the time I was young.
Hi Heidi! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your own connections to Corrie. She has touched so many lives around the world. I do not know the origin of “Jesus is Victor,” but it would be interesting to find out.
I too read as a teen, and it changed everything I knew, which was not much back then, about WW 2. Since, I have studied much on that war and the Holocaust survivors’ books and am happy to read this info you put out. Also, thank you for the pictures.
Hi Victoria! Thanks for stopping by Backroad Planet and sharing your experience.
I remember hearing Corrie ten Boom preach on the east side of Metro Detroit. I believe the year was 1970. Her theme was, “Jesus is Victor.” I was introduced to her afterwards, and we had a brief conversation.
Thanks for sharing your story, Bob! What an honor for you both. I regret never having met Corrie in real life, but I plan to see her on the other side. Not sure if you noticed, but “Jesus is Victor” are the words inscribed on her humble headstone.
Yes, it very much was! How did you become so interested? Shalom, Bob
Bob, I first learned of Corrie ten Boom when I read “The Hiding Place” in high school. My love and respect for her stayed with me throughout my life and her influence remained when I became a Holocaust educator later in my career.
Corrie was a friend of my momma’s. They met when my mom coordinated the Billy Graham prayer rally in 1973. Corrie was her guest as the keynote speaker. She also came and spoke to my English class at Westminster Christian school in Miami Florida. There are more stories to tell, but they go beyond the scope of a text. It was a blessing to know her. A friend of mine, Pastor Mike Atkins, now is on the board created by Mike Evans, who opened the Friends of Zion Museum.
Thanks, Carolyn, for sharing your connections to Corrie! She touched the lives of so many people.
I remember hearing Corrie speak in my hometown of Albuquerque. It was around the time The Hiding Place was in theaters and I was in elementary school.
Her devotional messages have always spoken to me so directly in a way that I truly understand.
“As far as the East is from the West” that is how far God has put your sin from you.
❤️
Hi Phyllis, and thank you for sharing your memories of Corrie! I am always envious (in a good way) of people who had the opportunity to hear her speak or meet her in person.
This was so interesting to read. Have you seen the film Return to the Hiding Place? You may really find inspiring as it shows more of the underground younger helpers. My oldest daughter is named after Corrie ten Boom. Sadly for now she has lost her faith. Since there is no pit that He is not deeper still, there is hope! Thanks again for all the pictures and background of your search .
Hi Risa, and thanks for your kind words! I have a DVD copy of the film Return to the Hiding Place, but I have not watched it yet. Thanks for the reminder!
I would love to know if you know what Corrie’s address was when she lived in Placentia. I only found out a few years ago that she had lived there. Not only that, my mother in law had met her, and she sat in front of my friends parents at church (EV Free Fullerton)! I lived in Placentia for 20 years and wonder how close her home was to where we lived.
Hi Debbie! So cool to hear about your mother-in-law’s connection to Corrie ten Boom. I do not know where she lived in Placentia, but I would imagine you could find out through property records. Thanks for reaching out!
Howard,
As I was rereading “The Five Silent Years of Corrie Ten Boom” by Pamela Rosewell, I decided to look up Placentia, CA, and get an idea of where she lived and thankfully logged onto your website. A retired educator as well, your sense of adventure and interest in the connection of history, people, and places hooked me. I enjoyed your writing style mix of intellect, observation of all you see and hear, and sprinkles of humor and sensitivity to the gifts and challenges of life. Appreciate all the photos, which made it seem that I was walking right along with you as a friend. Thanks!
Wow, Jean! Thank you so much for your kind words. Your reflection on this post may very well be the best review of my work I have received. One of my goals with Backroad Planet has been to allow readers to travel vicariously, and you just confirmed that for me. Your assessment means everything to me, and I thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I have never heard of the Rosewell book, but now I have added it to my reading list. Many blessings to you!
Hi- I stumbled upon your article. Like many, I read Corrie’s book as a teen and was moved by her actions and devotion.
Interestingly, I am an educator in Placentia, CA and just discovered through your article that Corrie lived here! I am curious as to how she came to live in this little town. Do you know anything about her journey in the US?
Thanks to this article, my interest in Corrie and her life has reawakened. I will be planning a visit to her family home/museum on my next trip to Europe.
Hi Joy, and thanks for sharing your connection to Corrie ten Boom. I am afraid I do not know how Corrie ended up living in California, but it may be detailed in some of her books published in later years. I know she has one book entitled “Tramp for the Lord” that tells about her travels and ministry around the world. Glad to hear you plan to visit the Ten Boom House Museum when you visit Europe again. It is truly a wonderful experience!
Corrie was always an inspiration to me. I have read her books and devotionals. I have the movie, The Hiding Place. I have heard her on TV programs and her messages of forgiveness. So wonderful. Her home in Placentia, California, is very near to my daughter’s home there. I don’t know the address. We tried to find it one time, but couldn’t. I forgot to mention to my daughter last week when I was visiting her that I would love to try and find it again. Corrie and Mother Theresa are my earthly heroes. Love them both so much. I lived in India for 13 and a half years, but it was after she had passed away. I just came back to America last year. God has blessed me with wonderful travels to do ministry all over the world. Thank you for this wonderful story about Corrie.
Hi Colleen! Thanks for sharing your love for Corrie. It is always rewarding to hear stories from those whose lives she has touched.
Do you know of any of the stories from those saved by the ten Boom family? If there were 800 I’d hope the legacy might be traceable…thanks!
Hi Joel! I’m afraid I don’t quite understand your question. Could you elaborate a bit more about the 800 stories saved by the ten Boom family? I am unfamiliar with this.
I was so happy to find your article about Corrie ten Boom. I read The Hiding Place in high school and it opened my eyes to ultimate love in a world of ultimate evil. I grew up in a Christian home and found Jesus at 8 years old. It was not until I read this book did I understand Jesus’ sacrifice for me and the cruelty he endured on my part as I read about this Christian family that sacrificed everything for the Jewish people out of the same love. I am 46 years old now and have never forgotten about this heroic woman and her family. I look forward to hearing their stories first-hand someday when I step into the arms of Jesus. The picture of her grave marker you posted brought an array of emotions. I was relieved to see that she was with Jesus and her family as I knew she had been for many years. But it also brought me to a point of mourning because in my heart she still was alive somewhere here on Earth telling her story, but the gravestone allowed my mind to let her go. Thanks again for sharing your story, I loved reading about your experience as well. Sincerely, Mr. Jamie M. Smith
I am so happy you found my Corrie ten Boom story, Jamie, and thank you for sharing your experience of how she has touched your life. It means everything to me to know other people share my admiration for this courageous woman and true Christian.
I have a tenuous remembrance of Corrie Ten Boom visiting Lexington, Kentucky in the late 1940’s, early 1950’s .. at Park Methodist Church. It was an evening service, much like revival services of the day. I cannot say that I was much interested then at my young age of about 10. But, I regret now not being more aware of her emminence.
What an amazing memory, Edward! I have encountered people who heard Corrie speak at services in the 1970s and 80s, but never as early as yours. Thanks so much for sharing!
I found this blog while googling ten Boom jewelers. I first learned of Corrie when I went to the library for a book on tape. I was in my early 20’s and about to embark on one of my first solo road trips, a 12 hr drive from Virginia Beach to Atlanta. I saw the title, “Tramp for the Lord.” I had been called a tramp a few times for different reasons, but never in connection with the Lord! I was intrigued enough to check it out. What followed was a deep, heartfelt connection to a lady who I would never meet, but who helped my newly found faith in Jesus grow. She was at once honest, simple, and comforting to me. I read everything of hers I could get my hands on. I am so thrilled to read that someone else has felt a similar kinship with Corrie.
Last July I finally went to the Netherlands and visited the Beje. I am not exaggerating when I saw it was exactly as I had pictured it from reading The Hiding Place. It was a such a special time for me, as I could feel God preparing my heart for something big. While there, He reminded me of a prayer I had prayed years ago for Him to give me a ministry like Corrie’s, tramping for Him. Within a month of returning to the States I was hired to work for a ministry that meant packing up everything I owned and driving 1,800 miles across country with my cat and starting Bible College, too. I don’t know exactly how this will all pan out, but that’s the adventure, isn’t it? I know it will be something extraordinary, and that the best is yet to come.
Thanks for sharing your powerful testimony, Jenny! How exciting that you got to visit the Beje. I know for Corrie’s readers it feels almost like a pilgrimage. I started reading The Hiding Place again on my drive from Florida to my cabin in North Georgia last weekend. I can’t wait to listen again on my drive home in a couple of weeks. Blessings!
Thanx for sharing Howard. I started my journey with Jesus in 1980 and Corrie’s book and teachings were a big part of my encouragement. Thinking back, I remember her always extolling the virtue and honor of her Dad and sister far above herself. Always quite honest about her own shortcomings, which made her very like-able and endeared her to me.
Always great to hear from a fellow traveler whose life was touched by Corrie. Thanks for sharing your story, Denis!
Hi
I have always loved Corrie Ten Boom!
In terms of her playing a part in my own pilgrimage… I lived with a girl some years ago and we were talking about our faith. I brought Corrie into the conversation and I discovered that her grandfather had been the writer of her books. You can imagine how delighted I was. Corrie used to say she didn’t want people to see her, but through her, to see Jesus. She continues to inspire my faith and encourages me to walk in the reality of it.
How cool is that, Tori! Your roommate’s grandfather must have been John Sherril. It never ceases to amaze me how many lives have been touched by Corrie’s life, even after all these years.
I was privileged to hear her speak in person, in Seattle, in the late 70’s. She was incredibly inspiring, and although I couldn’t have appreciated it as much then as I do now, I loved her message of faith (especially as she gave tribute to her sister).
How blessed are you, Tami, to have seen Corrie in person? I am envious (in a good way)! 🙂 Betsie and Corrie had a special bond and I know they drew strength from each other in their times of darkness. I love Betsie’s quote, “There is no pit so deep, that He is not deeper still.” Thanks for sharing!
This is an INCREDIBLE post, Howard!! You know that I love history and seek it out on my travels, and it’s always wonderful to find a thoughtful, reflective post that speaks to those interests (it’s nice to be reminded that I’m not the only traveler out there that love that!). Corrie Ten Boom was an incredible person, but I had no idea that her legacy was this fact. I’m sharing this on Facebook because it’s too good not to! 🙂 🙂
Ah, so sweet, Natalie, and especially meaningful coming from you! Thanks! This post came from my heart, and even though these types of posts don’t typically generate a lot of traffic, I know there are kindred spirits like you out there who will find it and connect with the legacy of this amazing woman . . . .
I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never heard of such an amazing woman. Now I learned a little bit, thank you.
I find it mind-boggling to read about such experiences. I often think I would never be able to survive not even ten minutes of what these people went through. It is very humbling. Thanks for sharing this story.
So honored to introduce you to one my heroes, Ana! Corrie was an amazing woman, and I understand completely what you mean about not being able to survive such troubled times. I am sure there are so many courageous people throughout history whose stories we may never know . . . .
I remember learning about the Holocaust and Corrie Ten Boom so vividly in your class years ago. I don’t know if you remember this, but when I ran into you a few weeks ago I mentioned my husband and I visiting Den Haag in the Netherlands last spring. I had no idea that small beach town had a part in Corrie’s story. I can’t wait to read more posts and be enlightened like I was as a student in your class!
Lizzie Schmidt Futch
Oh, wow, Lizzie! I don’t know whether to turn a cartwheel or cry. Comments like the one you just left mean everything to me and teachers everywhere. But I guess you know that, now that you are a teacher yourself. I am so proud of you for following your heart in spite of the challenges in public education today. Yet I am not surprised, having had the pleasure of teaching the perfect sixth-grader you were back then. How awesome that you were able to visit Den Haag while living in Europe and make the Corrie connection from so long ago . . . . My heart is full! <3
We visited Harleem recently and just about made it into the Corrie Ten Boom museum before it closed. The experience was one that moved us deeply. Having read the book ‘Hiding Place’ as a teenager, seeing this come to life through the tour was a very special experience. Our prayer is that this world will learn love, peace and tolerance…someday.
So glad you made it in time to tour the Beje! It was truly a milestone and highlight in my personal journey. I stand in agreement with your prayer for our world . . . .
Hi Howard. What a wonderful read, and what a remarkable journey for you. I remember seeing the movie, but have never read the book. I will be doing that very soon!
Thank you, Nancie! The movie is excellent, but as always, the book is better. You will love it!
What a moving piece of writing to discover via my Twitter feed. I have read The Hiding Place myself and always hoped I would be able to share a sliver of Corrie’s courage and faith in circumstances such as hers. My three kids are the descendants of Holocaust survivors (via their dad) so I feel a personal connection to every story of rescued Jews.
Thank you, Danielle! When I wrote the article I did not know whether my story would resonate with readers on an emotional level, but based on some of the comments so far, it has. Thanks also for letting me know you found the article through Twitter. How special that your children are descendants of Holocaust survivors! As a Holocaust educator, I am grateful for parents like you who will ensure that the stories of their children’s ancestors are shared to future generations. Never forget!
I knew of Corrie Ten Boom but didn’t know any of the details of her life. I marvel at how someone can sustain their faith when they have suffered and seen such senseless and hate-filled brutality. It must be a great comfort to be able to do that. I’m going to read The Hiding Place now – thanks for sharing the tale of this truly remarkable woman.
Corrie was truly a courageous woman of faith who lived what she believed, Kay. Hope you enjoy reading The Hiding Place as much as I did, and thanks for stopping by Backroad Planet!
I’ve never heard of this woman – thanks for introducing me – I shall read the book first I think. So many small acts of mercy in such a horrific war and genocide, this post made me cry. This reminds me also of Brasil where I was in August and everywhere I went it seemed that someone would mention their German heritage. They also clarified that their family were German immigrants from the ‘interwar’ years. It made me wonder.
Thanks for your kind words, Shobha! I had no idea this post would move a reader to tears, but I am pleased that it has provoked a strong emotional response. I lived in Latin America for many years, and I confirm your observation regarding the large population of German immigrants. Enjoy reading The Hiding Place!
Howard,
What an amazing journey you and Corrie Ten Boom have been on! Thanks for sharing with us your wonderful journey. I am sure you will inspire others to visit many of the stops along the way. I have known of Miss Corrie for years, especially since hearing of her from my deep Southern Christian roots, she is often spoke about in the church for her devotion and perseverance.
Thanks, Cacinda! I know what you mean about the “deep Southern Christian roots.” Corrie was an icon in the 1970s because of the popularity of her book, movie, and association with Billy Graham. I wish her unconditional love were practiced more today . . . .
Hi Howard – I, too, am a longtime fan of Corrie Ten Boom since childhood. The Hiding Place was as pivotal a read to me as The Diary of Anne Frank. This is a such a wonderful journey you have taken us on, and I have no doubt you will inspire others to visit the Beje. I was so interested to see the interior photos, having imagined them many times. There is a scene in the book that I recall still where she describes them all eating at the table and the head of an SS man is visible in the window as he walked past on the street. They really were hiding in almost plain sight. Righteous Among Nations indeed.
Thanks so much, Betsy, for sharing your memories of Corrie ten Boom! Even though you and I have never met in person, I feel like I know you, and I can’t say I am surprised at all that you read The Hiding Place in your youth. I have admired Corrie and the Ten Boom family for their love of all people and for their sacrificial acts of courage most of my life. It makes me happy to connect with others who share my admiration, especially fellow travelers like you . . . .
I wanted to let you know that I found this post through your link in instagram and I’m so glad I did! This was so beautifully written that it has inspired me to search for and read The Hiding Place. Thank you for writing this; it was very moving to me.
WOW! First of all, thanks for your kind words, Erica. It means so much to know my work moved you to read the story of the amazing, courageous Corrie ten Boom. Thanks also for letting us know our Instagram post led you here, especially since there is no way to track IG referrals. Enjoy The Hiding Place!
I love this post, Howard. I mean I LOVE it! And that is at least in part because of the love I can see that you put into it. I first heard of Corrie Ten Boom when I saw her on some TV talk show when I was a teenager. Her presence was so loving and gentle yet steel-strong and made such an impact on me that I immediately went in search of her book. I likely found it at the library. It was probably my first understanding that were true female heroes in the world and here was one. I have visited Haarlem, but unfortunately the house was not open at the time. I hope to be back there next year, and I will definitely make a pilgrimage to the Beje.
Thank you for taking me there and doing it so wonderfully well.
I cannot tell you how much your kind words mean to me, Donna! This article truly was a labor of love, and getting approval from another powerful woman with such a strong connection to the Netherlands as you means everything to me. So glad you plan to visit the Beje when you return. You will love it! Thanks again, dear friend . . . .
Came across your page on Corrie while attempting to verify an anecdote my pastor relayed: When at Yad Vashem once he asked a groundskeeper why Corrie Ten Boom’s tree was smaller than all the others. He was told the original 1967 tree had withered on the day Corrie died and they had to plant another. How fitting, I thought, that this woman would have TWO trees planted in her honor! Your Corrie expedition across the globe was very cool. I envy your retirement – keep up the good work!
Hi Ralph! The anecdote you mention is similar to the account I share in the post. Not sure we will ever know exactly what happened, but there is surely some truth to the report. Thanks for your kind words!