fox hole

Slipping back in time, imagine Foxhol in 1460, known then as Vossehol. This name, meaning “fox hole,” whispers of the village’s origins long before Willem Albert Scholten and his starch factories. Foxhol, nestled in the Dutch province of Groningen, overlooks the expansive Foxholstermeer lake. Its earliest inhabitants were fishermen and hunters, drawing sustenance from the lake and surrounding lands. These resourceful people lived simple lives, their days dictated by the rhythms of nature. Centuries later, the landscape around Foxhol began to change. In 1594, the city of Groningen began peat exploitation in the area. A vital waterway, the Winschoterdiep canal, was dug in 1612, connecting Foxhol to the wider world. The arrival of Willem Albert Scholten in 1842 marked a significant shift for Foxhol. He established the Eureka potato starch factory, transforming the village into an industrial hub. Factories and shipyards sprang up, drawn by the success of Eureka. Scholten’s empire grew to encompass 24 factories across Europe. He even played a role in founding the Nederlandsch-Amerikaansche Stoomvaart-Maatschappij, which later became the renowned Holland America Line. Foxhol continued to evolve, even amidst global conflict. During World War II, a unique product emerged from the Eureka factory: Brinta, an instant breakfast cereal developed by Frederik André Möller. Initially a wartime substitute, Brinta’s popularity soared in post-war years, becoming a household name. Foxhol also played a role in sheltering refugees. In 1951, following Indonesian independence, thousands of South Moluccans sought refuge in the Netherlands. Some were housed in barracks at Carel Coenraadpolder, while others eventually settled in a new neighbourhood built in Foxhol in 1961. The Maranatha church, built in 1965, became a focal point for the Moluccan community. Today, Foxhol is a part of the urban area of Hoogezand. While much of its retail has disappeared and the Moluccan community has largely moved on, Foxhol’s industrial legacy remains. This quiet village holds a rich history, from its humble beginnings as a “fox hole” to its industrial heyday and its role in sheltering those seeking refuge.