Mill d’Olde Zwarver - Kampen

In the 19th century, there were eight mills operating in Kampen. Korenmolen d'Olde Zwarver is the only windmill left. The current mill was built in 1842 as a successor to the only 11-year-old Voorste Molen, which was lost to fire.

In January 1923, Gerrit Helmus van der Vegte arrived at the mill. But the rise of flour mills slowly but surely killed Van der Vegte. On windless days, Van der Vegte would grind until midnight to be able to supply enough flour.

In 1949, he realised that he could no longer compete with his mill. The mill came into the possession of the Leympf dairy factory in Leeuwarden, which wanted to expand the factory and demolish the mill. This goes against the grain of the people of Kampen, who want to keep their mill at all costs. The management of the dairy, shocked by the reaction, suggests moving the mill.

On 7 April 1952, the day of the big move dawns. It proceeds slowly but successfully on a flatbed trailer with 48 wheels. Municipal architect Versteeg from IJsselmuiden named the mill ‘d'Olde Zwarver’ and that became the official name from then on.

Photo 1: ©Kampen City Marketing