Thursday, October 9, 2008

Prospectus and guide to the "secret annex."

Anne wrote a charming piece about the "secret annex" which I will put here.
"Prospectus and guide to the "secret annex."
Social institution as temporary residence for Jews and suchlike.
Open all year round. Beautiful, quiet, free from woodland surroundings, in the heart of Amsterdam. Can be reached by trams 13 and 17, also by car or bicycle. In special cases also on foot, if the Germans are prevent use of transport.
Board and lodging: Free
Special fat free diet.
Running water in the bathroom (alas, no bath) and down various inside and outside walls.
Ample storage room for all types of goods.
Own radio center, direct communication with London, New York, Tel Aviv, and numerous other stations. This appliance is only for residents' use after 6:00 in the evening. No stations are forbidden, on the understanding that German stations are only listened to in special cases, such as classical music and the like.
Rest hours: 10:00 in the evening until 7:30 in the morning. 10:15 on Sundays. Residents may rest during the day, conditions permitting as the directors indicate. For reasons of public security rest hours must be strictly observed!!
Holidays (outside home): Postponed indefinitely.
Use of Language: Speak softly at all times, by order! All civilized languages are permitted, therefore no German!
Lessons: One written shorthand per week. English, French, Mathematics, and History at all times.
Small Pets- Special department (permit is necessary):Good treatment available (vermin excepted).
Mealtimes: Breakfast, every day except Sundays and Bank Holidays, 9 A.M. Sundays and Banks Holidays, 11:30 A.M. approximately.
Lunch (not very big): 1:15 P.M. to 1:45 P.M.
Dinner: cold and/or hot: no fixed time (depending on the news broadcast).
Duties: Residents must always be ready to help with the office work.
Baths: The washtub is available for all residents from 9 A.M. on Sunday.
Alcoholic Beverages: only with doctor's prescription."
Anne writes. It's strange what they had to live through just to survive!

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