by Howard Spaan

Part Six: Anna 1865-1957

During 1935 my only sibling passed away after a very short illness and hospitalization. Heart-broken, Henry, Jr., and his wife Kate who had succumbed to a depression, decided to leave the farm. The three of us went to their birth places in Sioux and Marion Counties, Iowa, where we spent well over two months. We also traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to visit with Grandpa's minister brother and his family. My nine year old sister died of an attack of streptococcus in her bloodstream. Grieving over this loss not only was a heavy experience for my parents, but also for Grandma and Grandpa who relived the loss of their young children in Iowa at the turn of the century.

Uncle Cornie had taken over the dairy following his brother's departure for Iowa. Upon his return to Lynden in early 1936, Henry, Jr., purchased the Daffodil City Dairy. This was a business in which bottled milk was delivered door to door and to stores in town. The milk was purchased from Dad's brother. The bottling works was located in the Spaan milk house. In this business he continued until his death in At the age of 49 he passed away following the discovery of an acute leukemia condition. The shadow of death hung over the Spaan family in 1941, for toward the end of the year Grandpa passed away at the age of 83. Grandma continued for a few more years in the stately house where she had lived since 1907. 

April 7, 1937 was a date to be remembered. It was my grandparents 50th anniversary. The event was celebrated as an open house. A large number of callers were treated to delicious food served in elegant style. In her black stylish dress (her usual color of choice) Grandma received her guests. Grandpa enjoyed making conversation with his friends. In the evening the whole immediate family celebrated together. This included Uncle John and Aunt Tillie Slotemaker. 

Not long after these events Cornie and Marie Spaan were engaged in the business of building silos. They were easily recognized across the countryside because of their silver domes. When Cornie entered retirement, Marie, who was several years younger, became the first director of the Christian Rest Home in Lynden. They were the couple who spearheaded a movement to have such a facility. After her husband's death in 1959, Aunt Marie became a residence director of a dormitory on the Calvin College campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Agnes Spaan Dyksterhuis passed away during her 60s, John Spaan, in his early 70s, and Cora Spaan Polinder during her late 80s. 

Grandma Anna Slotemaker Spaan lived to be 92 years of age. Her last years were spent in the homes of her two daughters. She passed away in 1957. She was living in Cora Polinder's home when my family saw her for the last time. All her life she was never at a loss for words. But this time she was out of character, saying hardly a word. I asked Aunt Cora what came over her mother. Her reply was, "Ma was always a very proud woman. She had so many comments over the years about old people who were always repeating themselves. Now she says very little, for she is afraid she will be repeating herself.

I could not conclude this piece without expressing my sadness that the old historical house built in 1907 is no more. Most of us Spaan cousins are regretful this house was not moved to a different location on the old Spaan property and preserved as an historical home of the early days of Lynden.

 written by Howard Spaan
 April 2002