This is a photograph of the former Vanderkloot Blacksmith Shop on Kikkertstraat in the town of De Cocksdorp, Texel. Matthijs Vanderkloot occupied the home and the attached blacksmith shop from the early 1850s until his immigration to Chicago in 1886. It is thought that the entrance to the home is to the right by the tree.

The lettering on the top is H.J. THOMASSEN handel in landbouwwerktuigen which translates to H.J. THOMASSEN trader (seller) of agricultural machines. Presumably the H.J. Thomassen was the owner of the shop at the time of the photo. See also “The Former Matthijs and Trijntje Vanderkloot’s Cocksdorp Home” photo.

It is believed that Dr. Al Vanderkloot (1893-1981) took this photo on one of his visits to Texel. The photo year is probably in the 50s or 60s. Betsy Strand, a g-granddaughter of Matthijs and Trijntje Vanderkloot, has the original of this photograph. If you would like to add information about this picture, please contact Dave Jordan, a 2x great-grandson of Matthijs and Trijntje Vanderkloot. The Picture Reference Number is BSA03.