Whispering tales of water and wind, the Buurtermolen stands proudly. This is no ordinary windmill. It is a testament to Dutch ingenuity. The Buurtermolen is located near Rijpwetering. It resides within the municipality of Kaag en Braassem. This historic structure has been safeguarding the Buurterpolder for centuries.
Let’s step back in time to the 18th century. The Buurtermolen was erected to manage the waters of the Buurterpolder. This polder is also known as Bakkers- or Ruygenhouckpolder. Though this mill is old, it wasn’t the first here. The exact year of its construction remains a mystery.
Consider the size of the Buurterpolder. At approximately 67 hectares it is quite small. The Buurtermolen’s capacity is surprisingly large. Locals joke that it is “een paard voor een hondekar”. This translates to “a horse for a dog cart”. It means its power is disproportionate to the task.
The Buurtermolen features fokwieken. These are specialized windmill blades. It also has a vijzel. This is an Archimedes’ screw that lifts water about 1.80 meters. Until 1969, the mill operated regularly. In 1970, the polder board transferred it to the Rijnlandse Molenstichting.
Imagine Balthasar Berckenrode’s map from 1615. It shows the Ruygenhouckpolder. A mill stood on the east side draining into the Ade. The Buurtermolen is now on the west side emptying into the Kever. A 1623 map by Jan Pieter Dou proposed a mill on the west. This plan wasn’t executed then. It eventually materialized later in a different form.
The Buurtermolen faced challenges over time. In 1982, the upper house was restored. The stairs and tail were largely renewed. The lower tower received a new reed cover. A major restoration was needed again in 2017. This was due to a sinking foundation and rotten woodwork.
Think of the Buurtermolen’s role today. A volunteer miller keeps it running. It serves as an auxiliary pumping station. It aids the Buurterpolder during extreme water conditions. It also supports when the main pumping station fails.
Picture the landscape surrounding the Buurtermolen. It is a typical polder scene. A red-painted trestle mill rises against the horizon. Its sails span nearly 20 meters. It protects the island in the Kagerplassen. This island is about 70 hectares with meadows and woodlands.
Perhaps Jan van Goyen captured the Buurtermolen in one of his paintings. He often painted the area north of Leiden. It is more likely the painting features a similar mill. This one stood on the island of Vennip.
The Buurtermolen is more than just a structure. It’s a symbol of resilience. It showcases human efforts to manage the Dutch landscape. The Buurtermolen is a reminder of the past. It is also a beacon for sustainable water management in the future. Its ongoing story connects us to the ingenuity of those who came before.