Mons Aurea

Nestled on the Garenkokerskade in Haarlem, Netherlands, stands Mons Aurea. It’s a building with a rich history. Originally a Catholic girls’ school known as R.K. Huishoud- en Industrieschool Mons Aurea, it has evolved over time. Today, it’s part of ROC Nova College, a vocational school. Mons Aurea opened its doors in 1960. The architect behind this impressive structure was Jan van der Laan, along with his partners Th. M. van der Eerden, J. B. Hermans, and J. H. M. Kirch. The new building replaced a smaller location on the Gedempte Voldersgracht. The history of Mons Aurea, however, stretches back even further. In 1919, the Catholic “huishoudschool” was established. This type of school focused on home economics. It was later moved to the Gedempte Voldersgracht before finally settling at its current home on Garenkokerskade. The roots of this vocational education trace back to the early 20th century. In 1900, compulsory education was introduced for children aged 6-12. Soon after, in 1901, the Eerste Haarlemsche Huishoud- en Industrieschool opened its doors. This girls’ school was located near the Ambachtsschool for boys on Kamperstraat. The Huishoud school offered a three-year program. They also provided extra classes in various practical skills, like wet and dry-cleaning, ironing, waiting tables, sewing underwear, and cooking for workmen’s wives. These additional classes came at an extra cost. For instance, a cooking class cost 1 guilder and fifty cents, but the students could enjoy the meal they prepared. The school’s popularity led to the opening of a Catholic girls’ school on Kleine Houtweg in 1914, called the R.K. Meisjes School. This educational institution shared its building with the Catholic “huishoudschool” starting in 1919. Mons Aurea’s legacy continued into the 21st century. In 2010, the Historisch Museum Haarlem featured the school in its exhibition “Leren voor het Leven” (learning for life). This exhibition showcased materials from various vocational schools in the Haarlem area, highlighting the importance of vocational education throughout history. Today, Mons Aurea continues its mission of providing education. The building, designed by Van der Laan, stands as a testament to the enduring value of practical skills and lifelong learning.