Perhaps a unicorn never lived here. But Paltrokmolen De Eenhoorn proudly carries its name. This unique windmill has a fascinating story. It is right here in Amsterdam.
De Eenhoorn was not always here. The original mill vanished long ago. This area near the Kostverlorenvaart used to be a bustling industrial site. Many windmills like De Eenhoorn stood tall. They helped power Amsterdam’s growing economy.
Let me tell you about its history. The first mention of a sawmill at this location dates back to the 17th century. The current Paltrokmolen De Eenhoorn replaced an older mill in 1734.
Anna van Lier was a wood sawing miller. She owned De Eenhoorn in 1725. After her death in 1728, her estate was divided in 1731.
In 1747, Charles Touret owned De Eenhoorn. In 1759, Carel Tore insured his mill called de enhoorn. Johanna Rousset, Karel Toret’s widow, took over the insurance in 1760. Jan Toret then transferred it to his name in 1762. Arend Bruijn took over the insurance in 1763.
The insurance policy was canceled in 1768. Frans Taijspel signed for the widow of Arend Bruijn.
The mill changed hands many times. Around 1900, H.J. Kettenis owned De Eenhoorn. Sadly, De Eenhoorn was demolished in November 1929.
De Eenhoorn was a Paltrokmolen. This type of mill is a saw mill. It used wind power to cut wood. The location was between Kostverlorenvaart and Achterweg. That is near the current Eerste Hugo de Grootstraat.
A unique feature stood out. A high relief of a unicorn adorned the miller’s house. This gevelsteen survived the demolition. It is now part of Huize Terra Nova Oostervecht. This house is between Vreeland and Loenen.
Today, only memories and photos remain. We can admire old pictures of De Eenhoorn. They show the mill in its former glory. The images capture the Achterweg with De Eenhoorn. You can see the miller’s house and the Kostverlorenvaart during demolition.
De Eenhoorn may be gone. But its story lives on. It reminds us of Amsterdam’s industrial past.