“Hendrik Jonker,” a name synonymous with Amsterdam’s industrial past echoes here. Hendrik Jonkerplein is more than just a square. It’s a place with stories etched into its very stones.
Let’s delve into the tale of Hendrik Jonkerplein. This area wasn’t always a public space. Once upon a time, a stadsmuur stood here. This city wall was built with blue arduinsteen. This strengthened the 17th-century fortifications. The name ‘t Blaauwhooft comes from that blue stone.
In 1845, the area transformed. It became Amsterdam’s first little park. Imagine a green oasis amidst the city’s hustle. Fast forward to 1995, and a new chapter began. Café ‘t Blaauwhooft opened its doors. It stands at number 1 on Hendrik Jonkerplein.
But who was Hendrik Jonker? Lucas Jonker, a blacksmith from Vriezenveen, arrived in Amsterdam in the mid-18th century. His son, Hendrik, obtained his blacksmithing license in 1806. The Jonker family established a shipsmithy. They crafted hearths and ship stoves.
Around 1830, Hk. Jonker and Zn. emerged. They acquired an anchor smithy on the Wittenburgergracht in 1834. Their business expanded into a machine factory. They produced lithographic presses and bookbinding tools. Steam boilers and engines became another specialty. The company even made equipment for the graphic industry.
The Jonker company grew. By 1889, they employed 81 workers. By 1897, that number increased to 125. In 1893, they installed an electric lighting and power system. The company continued to innovate. In 1910, they built a new boiler making shop.
Jonker remained a family business for a long time. However, space became an issue in the heart of Amsterdam. In 1966, they merged with DuCroo. This marked the end of 150 years of ironworking on Bickerseiland.
Jonker’s legacy extends beyond machines. The factory was known for a wooden statue of a giant. This “Reus van het Bickerseiland” stood above the entrance for a century. The statue, after some travels, returned to Amsterdam in 2011.
One of Jonker’s most famous projects was a 19-meter-high dredging tower. It was built for the search for the Lutine’s treasure in 1934. The former factory building at Grote Bickersstraat 2-4 has been transformed into apartments. Hendrik Jonkerplein lies before it.
So, as you stand here on Hendrik Jonkerplein, remember the Jonker family. Remember their contributions to Amsterdam’s industrial heritage. The square is a testament to their legacy. It connects the past to the present. It is a reminder of the city’s ever-evolving story.