In five places in the Waasland (Lokeren, Waasmunster, Sint-Niklaas and 2 x Beveren) monuments have been placed in recent years that honour forgotten women (in a history dominated by men), who in one way or another left their mark on the region. Here: Clara-Maria Cocquyt.
From farmer's daughter to maid and kitchen helper, the young Clara-Maria Cocquyt (1895-????) had a lot to offer, but growing up in a modest farming family, she did not have the opportunities to seize. When she was 14, she started as a maid here in Blauwendael Castle, with Baron Emile de Neve de Roden. Every day she got up early to clean the stoves and keep the house tidy ...
It was quite hard work! She soon learned that there was a hierarchy among the staff, with all the consequences that entailed. Fortunately, Clara-Maria was an eager girl who fought back. In 1917, she exchanged her job as a maid for a better position as a
kitchen helper in another castle. There she served for many years at the side of her future husband, who was a servant there.
Source: information board on site