In 1787, a simple wooden drawbridge spanned the Kostverlorenvaart. This was the Tolbrug, connecting the Lange Bleekerspad and the hamlet of De Baarsjes. The Tolbrug, as its name suggests, required a toll for passage. Imagine farmers with their carts, weary travelers, and local townsfolk all pausing to pay their dues before crossing. Just across the Tolbrug stood the inn “De Drie Baarsjes” (The Three Bullheads). This inn, mentioned as early as 1642, gave its name to the later Amsterdam district De Baarsjes. A newspaper entry from 1802 even mentions a sale at the inn, specifically noting its location “by de Tolbrug”. The Tolbrug then stood in a relatively open area. The Kostverlorenvaart served as the boundary between Nieuwer-Amstel and Sloten. Not everything was built up along the canal yet. Amsterdam annexed this part of Nieuwer-Amstel in 1896. From the late 19th century, more buildings appeared, and industries like a plaster factory were established. The Kostverlorenvaart’s water level was adjusted to Amsterdam’s standard. A small harbor was even constructed near the Tolbrug. The old wooden Tolbrug eventually gave way to progress. In 1904, a new bridge was built. This bridge, initially a rolling bascule bridge, earned the nickname “Wiegbrug” (Cradle Bridge) due to its gentle rocking motion when opened. While the original Tolbrug is no more, its name echoes in the history of this vibrant Amsterdam neighborhood. The Wiegbrug stands as a testament to the area’s transformation, from a quiet crossing point with a toll to a bustling thoroughfare in a modern city.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to