Picture this. You are standing before ‘t Polderhuis. Not as it stands today. Imagine instead a 17th-century structure. It commands a clear view south of the Buitensingel. A charming cafe and inn. A meeting place for the polder’s governing body.
‘t Polderhuis. A seemingly unremarkable building. Its history however is woven into the fabric of Amsterdam. For centuries it served the polder’s needs. Polder officials met within its walls. They discussed the vital business of water management. The very lifeblood of Amsterdam depended on their decisions.
The building’s tenants profited from sluice fees. They also earned income from serving drinks. The location proved ideal. It stood between the sluice and the overhaal. A slipway for vegetable barges. Farmers arrived early. They used ‘t Polderhuis as a base. The Boerenwetering canal was their link to the city. Its lower water level required a sluice. The overhaal with its large wheels assisted smaller boats.
‘t Polderhuis wasn’t just functional. It also boasted a tea pavilion. A picturesque addition. Its idyllic setting inspired many artists. Martin Monnickendam notably created numerous sketches and paintings of ‘t Polderhuis. He captured its charm before encroaching development.
By 1870 new buildings surrounded ‘t Polderhuis. The Stadhouderskade and De Pijp district grew. The old polder house’s unique perspective began to vanish. The Rijksmuseum’s construction after 1880 blocked the view. By 1875 the need for demolition became apparent. Even Jan ter Gouw couldn’t prevent its eventual fate.
In 1923 the water level in the Boerenwetering was adjusted. The sluice and overhaal became redundant. ‘t Polderhuis’s days were numbered. It was demolished on May 1 1924. The site became Rioolgemaal F a sewage pumping station. The loss of this historical landmark was lamented. Amsterdam’s past was fading. Yet ‘t Polderhuis remains a reminder of a time gone by. A symbol of Amsterdam’s unique history.