Corrie Ten Boom: Heroine of WWII

Miss Corrie ten Boom is renowned as one of the most successful leaders regarding the anti-Nazi underground system. In the following paragraphs, you will be informed of Corrie's childhood, her family business partnerships, her refugees, and the ten Booms' struggle to survive the German concentration camps. These topics are immensely illustrated in The Hiding Place, and began when Corrie was six years old.

Cornelia ten Boom's life began in Haarlem, Holland, in somewhat of a dilapidated home which they called "The Beje." Her large and extended family consisted of her father, mother, tantes (or aunts) Jans, Bep, and Anna; sisters Nollie and Betsie, and finally, brother Willem. There were some rather distinct, unusual peculiarities in the household. Unfortunately, Betsie's was the most dolorous. She possessed a disease called pernicious anemia, which was congenital. Due to this illness she would not be able to overexert herself or perform strenuous physical labor. It was for this reason that she vowed never to marry, although she was a very attractive young lady. For her it was impossible to bear children, maintain a household, and carry out duties by herself. The second, minuscule issue was that of Tante Jans. This melancholy lady remained a devout hypochondriac until her death. Continually she would be in their kitchen, conjuring and consuming tonics, especially when a relative's death anniversary paid a call. Surprisingly enough, however, none of her tonics were the reason for her death. As the children's younger years passed, they were not only instructed with their father's trade in watch making but also gained much knowledge of the Bible.