Posie Book
Object numberM1992/029:001
TitlePosie Book
DescriptionSmall hard-covered paper autograph book, also known as a 'posie' or 'poesie' book, common amongst young Dutch and German girls, from the German word ‘poesiealben’ (poetry album).
These notebooks were used to collect messages, notes, pictures, and stickers from friends and family. It belonged to Nini Ereira; most entries are dated prior to the outbreak of World War II. However, there is an additional message that has been added on the last page, written on 15 March 1947 by Nini's cousin Herman Lissing. The Posie book is part of a larger collection of documents, photographs, and postcards donated by Betty and Herman Lissing.
Rebecca (Betty) Lissing (née Wynschenk) was born in 1923, in Amsterdam, to Jacob Wijnschenk and Sara (née Beesemer), both Dutch Jews. Betty had two siblings: an older brother, Maurits, and a younger brother, Louis. After completing her formal education, Betty undertook further education in dressmaking and pattern-making. She was also an avid gymnast, and trained with the Dutch national Olympic team.
In August 1940, at the age of 17, Betty met her future husband, Herman Lissing, who worked for the Dutch Underground. The couple were married in a group wedding with 18 other Jewish couples in 1941, after synagogues had closed in the wake of the Netherlands’ surrender to Germany on 15 May 1940.
The Lissings initially avoided deportation, having received sperres (reprieves issued to essential workers). They talked of escape, but Betty refused to leave Amsterdam while any of her family remained. In 1942, her parents and both brothers were deported via Westerbork to Auschwitz. Sara and Louis were murdered there in December 1942, Jacob in January 1944 and Maurits were murdered in Flossenburg in March 1945.
In 1943, Betty and Herman escaped the Netherlands via train and bicycle and hid in Brussels. However, Herman was soon captured, followed by Betty, and deported to Malines transit camp and then to Auschwitz. Betty was assigned to a work detail in the Union Munitions factory for 18 months, working seven days a week from 6.30pm to 7.00am. During this period, she was reunited with a cousin, Rebecca, whom she credits with aiding her survival.
In January 1945, Betty and Rebecca were transferred from Auschwitz on a death march, arriving at Gliwice (Gleiwitz, Poland) where they were then transported to Ravensbrück concentration camp. She was liberated there by the Russians on 30 April 1945, weighing only 37kg. While recovering at Castle Eerde in Ommen, the Netherlands, Betty was reunited with her husband Herman, who had also managed to survive Auschwitz.
The Lissings, with their first child Martin, emigrated to Australia in 1950.
These notebooks were used to collect messages, notes, pictures, and stickers from friends and family. It belonged to Nini Ereira; most entries are dated prior to the outbreak of World War II. However, there is an additional message that has been added on the last page, written on 15 March 1947 by Nini's cousin Herman Lissing. The Posie book is part of a larger collection of documents, photographs, and postcards donated by Betty and Herman Lissing.
Rebecca (Betty) Lissing (née Wynschenk) was born in 1923, in Amsterdam, to Jacob Wijnschenk and Sara (née Beesemer), both Dutch Jews. Betty had two siblings: an older brother, Maurits, and a younger brother, Louis. After completing her formal education, Betty undertook further education in dressmaking and pattern-making. She was also an avid gymnast, and trained with the Dutch national Olympic team.
In August 1940, at the age of 17, Betty met her future husband, Herman Lissing, who worked for the Dutch Underground. The couple were married in a group wedding with 18 other Jewish couples in 1941, after synagogues had closed in the wake of the Netherlands’ surrender to Germany on 15 May 1940.
The Lissings initially avoided deportation, having received sperres (reprieves issued to essential workers). They talked of escape, but Betty refused to leave Amsterdam while any of her family remained. In 1942, her parents and both brothers were deported via Westerbork to Auschwitz. Sara and Louis were murdered there in December 1942, Jacob in January 1944 and Maurits were murdered in Flossenburg in March 1945.
In 1943, Betty and Herman escaped the Netherlands via train and bicycle and hid in Brussels. However, Herman was soon captured, followed by Betty, and deported to Malines transit camp and then to Auschwitz. Betty was assigned to a work detail in the Union Munitions factory for 18 months, working seven days a week from 6.30pm to 7.00am. During this period, she was reunited with a cousin, Rebecca, whom she credits with aiding her survival.
In January 1945, Betty and Rebecca were transferred from Auschwitz on a death march, arriving at Gliwice (Gleiwitz, Poland) where they were then transported to Ravensbrück concentration camp. She was liberated there by the Russians on 30 April 1945, weighing only 37kg. While recovering at Castle Eerde in Ommen, the Netherlands, Betty was reunited with her husband Herman, who had also managed to survive Auschwitz.
The Lissings, with their first child Martin, emigrated to Australia in 1950.
Production date 1934 - 1944
Object nameautograph books
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 138.00 mm
height: 180.00 mm
Language
- Dutch Dear Nini,
Life is a great journey that for many of us has been for nothing.
Often this journey has been severed ruthlessly or ended too soon.
Because not the length of this journey is the most important thing, but the quality. And not ‘one who travels the longest, will also profit the most’.
And dear Nien, don’t forget: Off all beautiful things she* offers you, only the one who knows how to enjoy these beautiful things is the one who also the journey sees as it is.
When you are having a good time, don’t keep it to yourself.
Share your excitement with the people surrounding you!
Nini, even though you don’t have to start* anymore, for the journey that still has to come: ‘Safe travels’.
G. Wijnschenk
*she is in this case the journey
*-the journey-
Dear Nini,
Even though it is too hard to share what you are thinking about,
it is even harder to write down these thoughts.
Because thoughts go by quickly,
just as time does.
We reminisce the most beautiful thoughts,
we forget the rest.
That’s how it goes with friends, acquaintances and trustees as well.
Many names are forgotten,
only a few will be remembered.
I’m hoping that my name is one of those few,
and that you will remember me
if you will read these words.
Mau Vos
On left page: (Literally)Forget me not/Don’t forget me.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Betty Lissing
DocumentationGod cried at Auschwitz300002556