Point of interest
Spengense molen
2 locals recommend,
Tips from locals
Peter
June 20, 2019
At walking distance (10 minutes) you can have a look at the Spengense Molen (Authentic Dutch Windmill). The current mill is build after the burning down of the predecessor. After a failed experiment with a direct-driven internal paddle wheel, the mill was rebuilt in 1852 to its current form. Until 1962 this mill was used to regulate the water levels in the area. Dirk Blom was the miller from 1915 till 1960. Since 1963 the mill is owned by the organization "De Utrechtse Molens". The mill underwent a major restoration during 1985 and 1986. The mill was also jacked and adjusted straight. Until that major restauration some elements of the initial design have been put back, for example they replaced the equator by an catch construction. Draining the 1150 hectare polder became an ever greater problem after 1965 due to the lowering of the water level, combined with the settling of the peat soil. This greatly reduced reach of the scoop wheel. Around 1980 there was only 20 cm left. In 2011 the water axis was lowered 32 centimeter and the diameter of the scoop wheel increased to 46 cm. At the same time, the blades were narrowed from 52 to 33 cm. The slope has been adjusted also. With those modifications one was able to lower the reach to 70 cm. After decades of worrying, the grindle paddle wheel was able to function again. Most of the Saturdays this mill is in operation (it is turning but not pumping up the water). One could visit on Saturdays or there is the opportunity to make an appointment for a visit.
At walking distance (10 minutes) you can have a look at the Spengense Molen (Authentic Dutch Windmill). The current mill is build after the burning down of the predecessor. After a failed experiment with a direct-driven internal paddle wheel, the mill was rebuilt in 1852 to its current form. Until…
Marianne En Piet
September 22, 2015
Completely restaurated and yet to visit every Saturday
Location
72 Wagendijk
Kockengen, UT