Geuzenveld-Slotermeer in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
J.G. Suurhoff
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2024
1. J.G. Suurhoff Marker
De allereerste AOW-uitkering werd begin 1957 uitgereikt door Ko Suurhoff, minister van Sociale Zaken. Het basis- pensioen moest armoede onder 65-plussers tegengaan en de in Amsterdam geboren Suurhoff was een van de voorbereiders van deze wet. Ook ontwierp de PvdA-politicus de Algemene Weduwe- en Wezenwet, een basisinkomen voor nabestaanden. Tijdens zijn latere functie als minister van Verkeer en Waterstaat werden vangrails langs snelwegen ingevoerd. Suurhoff was een selfmade man. Zijn ouders konden hem niet door laten leren. Dat deed hij als volwassene in de avonduren naast zijn verschillende kantoorbanen, voordat hij bij de vakbond ging werken en uiteindelijk in de politiek terechtkwam. Hij overleed op 61-jarige leeftijd, nog voordat hij de door hem ingevoerde AOW zelf zou ontvangen. Oud-minister Cals herinnerde hem als een man die streed voor zijn overtuigingen en tegelijk begrip had voor de mening van anderen.
The very first AOW benefit was awarded in early 1957 by Ko Suurhoff, Minister of Social Affairs. The basic pension was intended to combat poverty among the over-65s and Suurhoff, born in Amsterdam, was one of the preparers of this law. The PvdA politician also designed the General Widow and Orphans Act, a basic income for surviving relatives. During his later position as Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, crash barriers were introduced along motorways. Suurhoff was a self-made man. His parents could not allow him to continue his education. As an adult, he did so in the evenings in addition to his various office jobs, before he started working for the trade union and eventually ended up in politics. He died at the age of 61, before he himself would receive the AOW he had introduced. Former minister Cals remembered him as a man who fought for his convictions and at the same time had understanding for the opinions of others.
Erected 2024
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Give Streets a Face / Geef Straten Een Gezicht series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 52° 22.879′ N, 4° 47.379′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Geuzenveld-Slotermeer. It is on J.G. Suurhoffstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: J.G Suurhoffstraat 86, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1067 VJ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Willem Drees (within shouting distance of this marker); J.M. den Uyl (within shouting distance of this marker); P.J. Oud (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Marga Komplι (about 120 meters away);
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2024
2. J.G. Suurhoff Marker - wide view
Also see . . . Ko Suurhoff (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
Jacobus Gerardus "Ko" Suurhoff (23 July 1905 14 March 1967) was a Dutch politician of the defunct Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP) and co-founder of the Labour Party (PvdA) and trade union leader.(Submitted on November 13, 2024.)
Suurhoff was known for his abilities as a debater and manager. He holds the distinction as the third longest-serving Minister of Social Affairs after World War II with 6 years, 111 days.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 116 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 13, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
