Verdoner family garden
Creator(s)
- Gerrit Verdoner (Camera Operator)
- Yoka Verdoner
- Francisca Verdoner Kan
- Otto Verdoner
Biographical History
The Verdoner Family - Gerrit and Hilde Verdoner, their children Yoka (b.1934), Francisca (b.1937) and Otto (b.1939) - were Jewish. In May 1940, when the Germans overran the Netherlands, Nazi decrees aimed specifically at Jews forced Gerrit out of his business and Yoka out of her second grade class. When the Nazis commandeered their home, the Verdoners went to live with Gerrit's parents in Amsterdam. Shortly thereafter, Gerrit and Hilde decided to place the children in hiding. Their foresight enabled the children to survive and save these family films. Hilde entered Westerbork on December 18, 1942, while Gerrit had a job with the Jewish Council. On September 29, 1943, after the collapse of the Jewish Council and Gerrit's narrow escape from the Germans, Gerrit found refuge in a hideout on a farm. On January 8, 1944 Hilde was sent to Auschwitz. After the war, Gerrit managed to reunite with his children and other surviving family members. The Verdoners emigrated to the US in 1946.
Scope and Content
Otto Verdoner, at roughly four months old. VS, CUs, MCUs, Otto being bathed by his mother. CU, Francisca posing in the arms of a woman in the Verdoner garden, Yoka doing same. VS, MLSs, MSs, MCUs, Francisca and Yoka playing in the garden, and in a sand box. Their grandfather comes out to join them in the garden, followed by other unidentified relatives. The camera focuses for quite a while on a young man as he speaks to an older woman and then to Hilde Verdoner (uncertain of this man's relationship to the family). CU, older couple having tea in the Verdoners' garden.
Subjects
- JEWISH LIFE (PRE-WAR)
- PLAYING
- FAMILIES
- CHILDREN (JEWISH)
- BABIES
- CHILDREN
- NETHERLANDS
Places
- Hilversum, Netherlands
Genre
- Amateur.
- Film