Hoekermolen

Journey back to 1873. Imagine the Hoekermolen, not as it stands today, but as its predecessor. A schepradmolen, diligently draining the surrounding polder. Then, disaster strikes. A lightning bolt rips through the sky, igniting the wooden structure. The flames consumed the old mill, leaving only ashes and a void in the landscape. From these ashes, however, rose the Hoekermolen you see before you. Built in 1874 on the site of its unfortunate ancestor, this new mill was no ordinary creation. It was repurposed, brought here from Amsterdam, where it once served as an industrial mill. The Hoekermolen diligently took on the task of draining the polder, a vital role it fulfilled until 1959. For decades, its sails turned, driven by the wind, keeping the land dry and fertile. In 1959, the Hoekerpolder joined forces with the neighboring Garstenpolder, embracing modern technology with an electric pumping station. The Hoekermolen’s primary duty was done, but its story was far from over. Around 1963, the mill underwent its first restoration, a testament to its enduring value. It was then sold to Mr. Reesink of Amsterdam, with the stipulation that it remain ready to serve as a backup if the electric pumps ever faltered. This proved a wise precaution. In the particularly wet autumn of 1994, the Hoekermolen was called back into action, its sails once again turning to protect the land. The story continues into the 21st century. In 2005, the Hoekermolen underwent a major restoration. This was no simple facelift. A longer screw pump was installed, allowing the mill to effectively manage the lowered polder water levels. One of the sails was even fitted with Fauël system “fokwieken” to better handle the increased load. Today, the Hoekermolen stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability. It reminds us of the ingenuity of past generations and the importance of preserving our history.