Did you know that the Oukoper Molen is perhaps the most viewed mill in Utrecht? Many hundreds of thousands of motorists pass it daily on the A2 between Utrecht and Amsterdam. But it is one of the least visited. Today, we are going to explore the Oukoper Molen.
This historic structure stands just north of Nieuwer Ter Aa. It is on the other side of the A2. The Oukoper Molen, formerly known as Oukoopermolen, gets its name from the nearby Oukooper Wetering ZO. Here, the Nieuwe Wetering flows into the Angstel.
The original mill likely dates back to 1644. A major restoration occurred around 1839. The entire upper house of the mill was renovated. For a time, the mill featured the Dekker streamlined system. Now, the 23-meter-long rods have old Dutch fencing and sails.
After several restorations, including a major one in 1994, the Oukoper Molen regularly drains the Oukoper polder on a voluntary basis. It uses a scoop wheel. The mill is owned by the Stichting De Utrechtse Molens. This foundation is part of Het Utrechts Landschap.
Since the 13th century, Holland and Utrecht argued about water discharge. It was from areas southwest of Utrecht toward Holland. In 1642, the heirs of Oucoop received permission from the States of Utrecht. They could build a ring dike around their land. Thus, the Oukoop polder was created. They wanted to keep the polder dry with an octagonal mill. But it proved too expensive. So, they built a water-wipmolen in 1644. It stood right on the border between Holland and ‘t Sticht. The name Oucoop or Oukoop comes from “cope.” This was the contract between the bishop and peat developers in the 13th century.
French forces set the Oukoper Molen on fire in 1672. It was rebuilt in 1675. The polder was large and the mill was small. So, the millers had to work long hours. They aimed to keep the farmers happy. This wasn’t always easy.
The mill was restored and renovated around 1750, 1839, and 1917. The Oukoper Molen drained the Oukoper Polder until 1961. The iron rods were in poor condition. The mill was shut down that year. Since a restoration in 1994, the mill can turn and grind again. During high water, it helps as an auxiliary pumping station. In 2022, the mill’s foundation was replaced. It also received new roofing and a new wind cross.
The Oukoper Molen is a wipmolen. The miller must adjust the wind to turn the sails and grind. The mill pumps water from the polder. It sends it to the higher-lying boezem.
The mill is a machine that has been pumping water for over three and a half centuries. Wooden gears and axles transfer the rotation of the blades to the scoop wheel. With a strong wind, it still moves 30 cubic meters of water per minute. It lifts it over the dike into the river Angstel. The river is now 2 meters higher than the polder level. The mill helps to maintain the water level in the polder with green energy.
In the summer of 1865, this mill got a cast-iron top axle. It is still there. Those who helped install it needed about 10 to 12 men. They got half a barrel of beer after the installation. The polder board did not pay for it right away. Only on February 2, 1866, after a reminder, did the polder board pay the 5 guilders to the local café owner.
The Oukoper Molen stands as a testament to Dutch ingenuity. Its survival through fires, restorations, and technological advancements shows its enduring importance. Next time you are on the A2, remember the Oukoper Molen. It is a symbol of the ongoing battle against water.