A buffet in The Billiard Room

Willem had the best conversations during a serious game of billiards. The Billiard Room has a green wall covering, a mahogany paneling, and of course the curtains match the wall covering. Nowadays this room is used for a breakfast and lunch buffet. The floors and marble are authentic. Enjoy all the delft blue plates and pay special attention to the seasonal scenes.

The war

During World War II, Charlotte used her organizational talent in 1943 to set up a well-functioning food supply, which received support from all over the country. Huize Bergen became a hive of activity, where countless packages were prepared.

Boxes of food flowed in from all corners of the Netherlands. In a speech years later, Charlotte told how sometimes the boxes contained surprising things, such as smoked eel or a wooden barrel that was actually supposed to contain cleaning agents, but was filled with pieces of beef. This meat had to be cooked overnight to prevent spoilage. Bread, butter, eggs and even parts of slaughtered animals were delivered from surrounding villages, a weekly collection that remained successful despite the food shortages.

The house was constantly filled with goods. Red handkerchiefs came from Charlotte's cousin in Helmond, which the women used as headscarves or shawls in the camp. Textiles were often exchanged for food. Through her extensive network, Charlotte ensured that large quantities of food were delivered, often beautifully packaged.

A manufacturer sent a bread slicer, the Finis. We expect the machine in this room is the exact machine Charlotte talks about in her biography. Another manufacturer sent a slicer for cheese and cold cuts.

In addition, Charlotte received 600 distribution cards, with which she could buy extra food at De Gruijter stores. She personally called to order the necessary products and thus supplemented the food parcels.

During the Sinterklaas period, Charlotte contacted wool producers, who then sent warm clothing, shoes and hats for the children. After a heated discussion with the camp commander, Charlotte personally handed over the woolen clothing, shoes and hats to the children in Camp Vught. At Christmas, the prisoners received an extra package, filled with woolen socks, red handkerchiefs, biscuits, cigarettes, gingerbread and peppermint.