Help Needed (information I am still needing)
ADDRESSES:
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I would LOVE the confirmed addresses (and photos?!) of the homes where my grandfather lived, especially of the homes where he lived with his children. I was able to get a few addresses in my searches, however, I was not able to confirm all of them. ​​
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CONTACT INFO: ROBERT T. TAN:
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I have a great desire to be able to have contact with a descendant of B.G. Tan. (Boen Gan Tan?)He and my grandfather collaborated together on several projects, and it is clear to me that they became good friends. In reading the handwritten postcards by my grandfather, he mentioned B.G. Tan several times. Mr. Tan is the one person that my grandfather trusted to help his children and family. He is the one other person that my grandfather addressed a note to on one of the postcards. The reason I wrote an entire chapter just on B. G. Tan is because I feel he was an extremely important person and good friend to my grandfather. I would love to meet someone from his family.
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I did come across the name of one of his descendants, ROBERT T. TAN, possibly a grandson. But I have had no success in locating him. This is the info I found about him:
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This piece is frequently cited by historians and architects researching Malang.
His most notable work is:
Article Title: "Villa Tan Tiong Ie: The Legacy of a Peranakan Suikerbaron in Malang"
Publication: Pusaka: The Journal of The Indonesian Heritage Society
Issue: Spring 2012
Author: Robert T. Tan
About the Article:
This article is invaluable because it is written from the unique perspective of a direct descendant. It is not just a dry architectural analysis; it's a family history. In it, Robert T. Tan details:
The story of his great-grandfather, Tan Tiong Ie, the family patriarch and "Suikerbaron" (sugar baron).
The life of B.G. Tan (Tan Boen Gan), who commissioned the villa from Karel H. Bos.
Personal anecdotes and insights into the family's life in the mansion.
The cultural and social context of the wealthy Peranakan Chinese community in colonial Malang.
The architectural significance of the villa as a symbol of the family's status and modern outlook.
Where to Find the Article:
The journal Pusaka is a publication of a non-profit organization, and copies of the articles can sometimes be found online.
You can find a PDF of this specific article by searching online for:
"Robert T. Tan" "Villa Tan Tiong Ie" pdf NOTE: This PDF was NOT available when I searched.
"It's a fascinating read that beautifully connects the personal story of a family to the architectural legacy of Karel H. Bos and the history of Malang."
Other Contributions:
While this is his most prominent authored article on the topic, Robert T. Tan is also frequently acknowledged as a primary source and contributor in other works. Historians, documentary filmmakers, and architectural researchers often cite him for providing crucial family history, photographs, and documents that bring the story of the Tan family and their properties to life.
I've emailed the Indonesian Heritage Society in June 2025 at info@heritagejkt.org as was recommended, but have not heard back.
I've looked for this article on-line and could not find it.
SPECIFIC FAMILY:
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The full (confirmed) name of the mother of Karel H. Bos She is mentioned in his internment postcards only as "the widow S. Bos., with her addresses on postcards. (See page: INTERNMENT & POSTCARDS)
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The full (confirmed) name of the father of Karel H. Bos (There is a birth certificate in the FAMILY page, of what I was told was his. But at this time, I can not confirm that.
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The full name of Ed: The long-time girlfriend of Karel H. Bos after his divorce. Joan Bos always said that Ed was very good to her and my dad and uncle. (Her name is possibly Edwina? Edith?)
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The full name of Pat (Bos) Snel, the sister of Karel H. Bos. (Was her full name Patricia?)
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Birth order. I know Karel was older than Anton. Where do Albert & Pat fit into the birth order?
ADDITIONAL INFO, PHOTOS, ARTICLES:
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If you have any (or come across any) photos or articles not already listed on this site; I would love everything possible!) Please include the source and link and credits, and how you would like to be credited.
IDENTIFY PHOTOS:
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If there is a person or location or time frame not identified in any photo, and you know the answers, please let me know. MOST ESPECIALLY the photos in the chapter "PERSONAL PHOTO ALBUM of K. BOS."