The Kathammer is a windmill in the hamlet Achterdicht of the village Katwoude, below Volendam. It is an octagonal inner crucifixion with the function of a polder mill. The sails have a flight of about 26.50 meters. The mill is also called De Katwoudermolen. De Kathammer is named after the nearby village of Katham, now a hamlet of Volendam. While the other name refers to the village Katwoude.
The mill was probably built in 1650. On St. Nicholas' Eve, December 5, 1896, the mill was largely destroyed by fire. Miller Klaas Kelderman sat with his eleven year old daughter on his lap in the mill, when suddenly lightning struck, killing the girl at once, and the miller himself was ugly burned on his back.
In 1911 the sails and cap were removed. The mill retained the function of a pumping station. In 1986 the mill was restored. A new cap with sails was placed on the fuselage. Since then the mill bears the year 1986.
I'm Jeroen, and I'll spare you the long introduction. ;) If you're looking for a landscape photo for your wall, you've come to the right place... Read more…