Did the Zuidpoldermolen always stand so silent? It’s hard to imagine this sturdy, thatched octagon wasn’t once a whirring hub of activity. The Zuidpoldermolen in Edam, built around 1670, has a rich history. It wasn’t just a picturesque landmark. This smock-style windmill served a vital purpose, draining the Zuidpolder, the low-lying land reclaimed from the sea. Imagine the ingenuity of those early engineers, harnessing the power of the wind to push back the water and create fertile ground. The Zuidpoldermolen diligently performed its task, its sails catching the wind and driving the machinery inside. The Zuidpoldermolen was more than just a workhorse; it was a lifeline for the community. It also served as a grain mill, grinding the harvests that sustained the people of Edam. In the late 19th century, progress brought changes. Around 1894, the Zuidpoldermolen underwent a transformation, its scoop wheel replaced with a screw pump. Then, in 1875, a steam-powered pump was added to assist with drainage. Finally, in 1949, a more powerful steam pump rendered the Zuidpoldermolen obsolete. Its sails fell silent, and its inner workings became still. The Zuidpoldermolen stands today as a testament to Dutch ingenuity and perseverance, a silent guardian of the polder it once drained. Though it is no longer actively working, the Zuidpoldermolen is owned by the Dutch Windmill Society. It remains a beautiful reminder of a time when wind powered the world.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to