Bent by wind and time, the Stommeermolen stands. It is a testament to Aalsmeer’s enduring battle against the waters. This isn’t just any windmill. It’s a symbol of perseverance. Let’s delve into the tale of the Stommeermolen.
The Stommeermolen we see today isn’t the original. The first mill was built in 1742 or 1752. Its purpose was to drain the combined Stommeer, Hornmeer, and Oosteinderpoel polder. Imagine the landscape then. These polders needed constant care.
Disaster struck on December 4, 1919. Lightning ignited the Stommeermolen. A desperate miller tried to save it. His efforts were futile. The mill burned to the ground. A replacement was needed urgently. The solution came from Leimuiden. Molen No. 1 of the Vriesekoopse polder was purchased. It was moved to Aalsmeer. It took the place of the old Stommeermolen in 1920.
But the challenges didn’t end there. In 1927, the Stommeermolen’s sail cross was damaged. It was repaired by the spring of 1928. By 1929, an electric motor was installed. It aided the drainage with a pump. The windmill was then used less.
The Stommeermolen faced modernization again. In 1967, an additional pumping station was built. It would assist with draining the Hornmeer and Stommeerpolder. This reduced the windmill’s role further.
The Rijnlandse Molenstichting acquired the Stommeermolen in 1987. Restoration began in 1989. The aim was to make it fully functional again. Today, the Stommeermolen serves as a backup pumping station. It assists during extreme water conditions. It also helps when the main pumping station fails. This historic mill is more than just a pretty sight. It is a working monument.
Did you know the Stommeermolen boasts impressive stats? Its wingspan measures 28 meters. Its pumping height is 4.5 meters. That is the largest in the province of Noord-Holland.
For over a century, the Zwartendijk family operated the Stommeermolen from 1753 to 1967. It was also known as the Zwartendijk mill.
Take a moment to appreciate the Stommeermolen. A walk or bike ride along the Molenvliet is recommended. The nearby Seringenpark adds to the beauty. Though its inner workings are viewable only once a year during National Mill Day in September. The Stommeermolen remains a proud symbol. It embodies Dutch ingenuity in water management. It connects us to the past. It also inspires us for the future.