Peering out across the water, have you ever wondered about the land hidden within the Kagerplassen? I am talking about the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder. It is a place with a history stretching back centuries. This polder embodies the Dutch struggle to master water.
The story of the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder began long ago. Before 1633, the Kogjespolder was founded. The Tuinderpolder followed before 1686. These two polders existed separately. Then, on March 9, 1686, they joined together. They formed one entity known as the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder.
The main reason for creating the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder was land reclamation. These polders together created an island. This island sits within the Kagerplassen. Being an island, it needed proper water management. The new waterschap took on this vital task. It ensured the land stayed dry and usable.
Imagine this small island. It lies lower than the surrounding water. Without constant drainage, it would flood. The Tuinder- of Kogjespolder overcame this challenge through careful engineering and continuous effort.
For centuries, the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder operated as an independent entity. In 1979, it merged into Veen- en Geestlanden. The Molen de Kok still stands guard. Built in 1809, this smock mill continues to pump water. It keeps the polder dry. This mill is not just a historical artifact. It actively manages the water level. The Molen de Kok stands on the south side of the Dieperpoel.
Picture the scene during a storm in November 1973. The wooden axle broke. But the wooden rods remained intact. Jan Straathof, a smith from Rijpwetering, stepped in. He crafted a new steel axle. Later, the mill received metal rods.
The Tuinder- of Kogjespolder covers about 30 hectares. It has an opvoerhoogte of about 0.65 meters. Most of the land has an agricultural purpose. It is owned by Staatsbosbeheer. Access to the polder is only by boat. This isolation helps preserve its unique character.
The Tuinder- of Kogjespolder uniquely relies on wind power. The Kokmolen is still used for the polder’s main drainage. This is a very rare thing in the Netherlands. Very little polder land is drained by wind power alone.
Since 2005, the Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland owned the mill. In mid-2018, the mill was transferred to the Rijnlandse Molenstichting.
Next time you see a windmill, remember the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder. Think of the Tuinder- of Kogjespolder’s rich history. Consider the blend of human ingenuity and natural forces. It is a symbol of the Netherlands. This is a story of continuous innovation. The Tuinder- of Kogjespolder protects the land.