Norfolk’s Ted Veling to Present Historical Discussion in Colebrook

On Friday, July 13, the Colebrook Historical Society will host a talk by Norfolk’s Ted Veling, who will discuss his life during World War II in the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam.

Veling was a nine-year-old boy living happily in a commuter city near Amsterdam when his world abruptly took a cataclysmic turn—the Nazis invaded and occupied his country. From then on everything in his life, and the life of his community, came under crushing Nazi control—food, jobs, clothing, travel, fuel, firewood. Survival was at stake on a daily basis. Veling’s family and their neighborhood didn’t give up. They banded together and  fought not only for their own survival but for the survival of their Jewish neighbors as well. Despite near-daily raids by the Nazis, they managed to conceal and protect 42 Jews until the day of Allied liberation finally came.

Veling and his family arrived in the United States, fittingly, on June 6, 1946, the second anniversary of D-Day. They originally settled in New Jersey. After finishing his education, Veling became a tobacco broker, as his father had been in the Netherlands. This business led him to New York City, then Hartford. Over the years, Veling and his wife raised two sons, and they ultimately settled in Norfolk.

While still doing business as a broker, Veling is also very involved in the welfare of the northwest corner towns. He has also served as president of the Board of Directors of the Foothills Visiting Nurse and Home Care, Inc., in Winsted for 40 years.

Based on first-hand observations of a critical time in World War II, Veling’s presentation is expected to make for a fascinating and inspiring evening. Refreshments will be served following the discussion. All are welcome.

The gathering will be held at the Colebrook Historical Society’s Seymour Inn, located at the intersection of Routes 183 and 182A in the center of Colebrook. For further information contact Carol Lord at 860-738-8244 or carol.9508@yahoo.com.