Adermolen
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The 'Adermolen' was built in 1941 and drains the Aderpolder near Rijpwetering. It is a round, stone polder mill with a thatched roof that stands out in the open polder landscape. The mill had a predecessor, but it was destroyed by fire in 1881.
In the same year, a steam centrifugal pump was built to ensure that the polder continued to be drained. But in 1925, the steam drive was replaced by a gasoline engine.
However, due to a fuel shortage during World War II in 1941 and the wear and tear on the motorized pumping station, the polder board decided to commission the construction of a windmill. This would allow them to fall back on wind power.
And so the Adermolen was built. Due to a shortage of building material…
In the same year, a steam centrifugal pump was built to ensure that the polder continued to be drained. But in 1925, the steam drive was replaced by a gasoline engine.
However, due to a fuel shortage during World War II in 1941 and the wear and tear on the motorized pumping station, the polder board decided to commission the construction of a windmill. This would allow them to fall back on wind power.
And so the Adermolen was built. Due to a shortage of building materials, the mill was constructed using parts from the Zuiderpolder mill near Haarlem. Until 1985, the mill handled all drainage for the Aderpolder, after which an electric pumping station took over. In the years that followed, the mill fell into disrepair and began to lean. After a major restoration, during which the mill was re-founded and even lifted, it was put back into service in 2017. These days, the mill operates on a volunteer basis and is used during periods of severe flooding.
Visits are by appointment only. And due to the mill’s location, it can only be reached by boat.
