Irvin Family History

The name that holds the greatest significance in my family is my middle name, Beidinger. It holds great meaning in our family because it connects down to my Opa, grandpa, who is Austrian. Beidinger, which is also Austrian, is my Opa’s maiden name. When my Oma and Opa had kids they all were daughters and you would think the family name would stop there since they all married they took their husband's name; however, my cousins and myself were given Beidinger as our middle name so it wouldn’t die out. So, while my first name may not be that meaningful my middle name carries a lot of history from not only my Opa’s past, but also my Opa’s father’s past. Although, I may not have the name myself, a lot of my cousins have the last name Veldman. Since the name Veldman is very Dutch there’s a surprisingly good chance if someone has that name in the Midwest, I’m actually related to them. My family then ended up in South Bend, Indiana since my Oma’s brother had left Holland before her and was there. Eventually, my parents met each other and because of their career choices moved to Chicago. 

    My family on my dads side, for the most part, have stayed or have lived near Ohio. However, on my moms side, my Opa was originally from Austria and my Oma was originally from Holland. They both came to America during the 1950-60s by boat looking for new opportunities. They first met at an immigrant's club where they went bowling together on a team called the “leftovers,” since they weren’t necessarily good bowlers. One tradition we take seriously in our house is white elephant during Christmas. My cousins and I could be brought to tears because of that game. Each person playing would bring a gift, some that people would fight over, and some that everyone wanted another person to get so they didn’t get it. We also take camping trips and family reunions once every fours years that all Beidinger’s and Veldman’s go to. After interviewing my grandparents I found it very interesting how so many different choices, big and small, led to where I am today. Overall, I feel proud to carry my middle name and continue to pass down the family traditions that have gone on for quite a few generations; as well as honored that I can call myself  “Dutch” along with “Austrian.”