Sunset at the Molenkade by Stephan Scheffer

Irons General

The ironing mills in Oudorp and Rustenburg were built between 1627 and 1630 to grind the excess water from the Raaksmaatsboezem onto the Schermerboezem. The Raaksmaatsboezem consisted of a collection of bosoms from, among others, the Geestmerambacht and the Heerhugowaard. Since the difference in level was only about 40 cm, these bosom mills were also called ironing mills. They kind of wiped the water off. Originally, the mills were equipped with a paddle wheel. Later this was replaced by a relatively short but wide auger. There have been 6 ironing mills along the Molenkade Alkmaar/Oudorp. In 1688 the easternmost mill was lost to fire and has not been rebuilt. The other five were designated by letters. Seen from Alkmaar, the A, B, C, D and E. They are known as “De Zes Wielen”. “Behind Oudorp” near the “chicken bridge” there is still the so-called craft mill from 1632, which was built on behalf of the polder Geestmerambacht, who also had to maintain it. At Rustenburg there are three other ironing mills (I, K and L). The ironing mills were in service until 1941. In that year the Raaksmaatsboezem was shared (ie brought to the same level and connected with each other) with the Schermerboezem. As a result, all ironing mills lost their function and were taken out of service. The quays, locks and mill pits fell into disrepair and were filled in or dug as necessary. Windmill A of the Six Wheels was dismantled to be rebuilt in the open-air museum in Arnhem. An English bomb destroyed the mill stored there. The remains disappeared into the stove. All remaining ironing mills (8 pieces) came into the possession of the province and were rented out as homes. There was hardly any turning. On March 10, 2000, after more than a year of negotiations, the ironing mills were transferred to two foundations: the three at Rustenburg at the Schermer Molenstichting, and the mills at the Hoornse Vaart and the Craft Mill behind Oudorp at the Molenstichting Alkmaar. After a busy period of restoration, all ironing mills are now turning, mill C even milling and are inhabited by volunteer millers.