Antje Nieuwenhuizen

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Baymen’s Oral History

Description

This oral history series explores the history and contemporary hardships faced by baymen, and their future on Long Island.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
05-31-1980
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Supplemental Material
Biographical Sketch

Antje Nieuwenhuizen is a Dutch immigrant who settled in West Sayville, United States, in 1980. She came to the United States from Ijmuiden, Holland, in 1926. Antje's husband, Adrian, had already established himself in West Sayville before she made the decision to join him. They had three children before moving to West Sayville and later had a fourth child.

Scope and Content Note
Antje Nieuwenhuizen discusses various aspects of her experience as a Dutch immigrant in West Sayville. She talks about her father attending night classes to learn English and her own acquisition of the language through natural exposure. Antje recalls her childhood friends and acquaintances, including Nellie and the DeMars family, and her mother's role as a midwife for Mrs. DeMars. They briefly touch on the local doctors and the lack of a personal doctor for Antje's family, with her mother sometimes assisting during childbirth. The interview also explores Antje's family names. They discuss the preservation of Dutch culture through language and cuisine, with Antje expressing her love for Dutch desserts like apple pie. Antje mentions her sewing skills and the pleasure she derived from creating garments in her younger days. They discuss the living conditions in their initial house, including the absence of indoor plumbing and the use of an outdoor well for water. The topic of Ellis Island arises, and Antje confirms that her family did not go through that immigration checkpoint. She emphasizes the warm reception they received upon arrival in America. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Antje's family members, including her daughters and son.


Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out  Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc.  The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry. 

The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.