Bernardus Beijen and Gezina Spekreis

The picture above was probably taken around 1905, when Gezina was already a widow. She is sitting second from right at the table. Beside her are from left to right her daughters Marie (Maria, 5.9), Dika (Hendrika W., 5.7) and Dina (Berendina G., 5.10). Standing are from left to right: a tailor from the neighbourhood, Gerrit Jan (5.8), Jan Lansink (Marie's fiancé) and Johan (5.6). The first and second daughter of Bernardus and Gezina, Trui (Geertruida, 5.4) and Hanna (Johanna, 5.5), are absent.

Johan Beijen and Mina Lansink

This photo was taken in 1932 on the occasion of their silver wedding anniversary. It comes from Mrs. Cora Lijnders Nijhuis from Australia. Johan is sitting on the left and Mina on the right. Between them are their eldest daughter Sien (Gezina H.M., 6.11) and their youngest son Frans (Franciscus, 6.19). On the back row are from left to right Tonny (Antonia, 6.17), Bernard (Bernardus A., 6.16), Johan Junior (Johan, 6.18), Riek (Hendrika A., 6.14), Marie (Johanna M., 6.15), Herman (Hermannus B.J., 6.12) and Bernarda (Bernarda C., 6.13). In later years Bernarda entered a nunnery; she was known there as Sister Antonio.

Most of the children of Johan and Hermina lived in the Hengelo area. However, in the fifties their daughter Hendrika (later known as Rita) emigrated with her husband Christiaan (Jan) Nijhuis and their children to Australia. Nowadays many descendants of them live there.

The photo above is much more recent than the other ones. It was made in July 2010 on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Mrs Mies Beijen Heerbaart, the widow of Frans Beijen (6.19). She is surrounded by three of her four sons, three daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren and two partners of her grandchildren. Some days after the party her first great-grandchild was born: a daughter of Jos Beijen and Anja Beijen Drecksträter who are sitting at the back rows.

Gerrit Jan Beijen and Aleida Oonk

This photo was made in 1949, not long after the move to Terborg, on the occasion of the 40th wedding anniversary of Gerrit Jan and Aleida. A is Gerrit Jan, B is Aleida, C is Ben (Bernardus J.J., 6.20), D is Jo (Johanna G.J., 6.21), E is Sien (Gezina J.C., 6.22), F is Marie (Maria G.M., 6.23), G is Betsy (Albertha T., 6.24) en H is Harry (Henricus A., 6.26). The woman with the letter I is Maria Lansink Beijen (5.9), a sister of Gerrit Jan.

Five children of Gerrit Jan and Aleida did not marry. They had together the direction of the clothing industry De Beijenkorf in Terborg. It included a textile wholesale company and some textile shops. For several years it had about eighty staff members. Later the company was sold.
The photos above and below were made in 2007. Afterwards the buildings of 'De Beijenkorf' were demolished and replaced by a new block of houses and offices.