Mill Saint Martinus - Didam

The mill in Didam is named after Saint Martinus, or Saint Martin. This Saint is known for his mercy in giving a poor man a piece of his cloak. He died on 11 November 398 and the day is still celebrated today, especially by children passing houses with lanterns.

The mill dates back to 1854 when Theodorus Kempers applied for a permit to build a corn and flour mill near the village of Didam. It became a bell mill, as there was enough space in the bell to store grain and flour. It is the only mill in our country with this name.

In 1942, millwright Van Bussel carried out the necessary repairs; he recommended fitting the mill with streamline noses because of the tall trees. Owner Strijbosch started an oil business in 1953, but the flour business was also expanded, though partly electrically.

On the night of 11 to 12 November 1964, a fire broke out in the mill, which could be extinguished in time thanks to resolute action by the fire brigade and Strijbosch's sons. Thus, the mill escaped disaster. Repairs followed. In 1973, a rod had become loose in the axle hole and stagnation then caused the mill to deteriorate rapidly. Molenmaker Groot Wesseldijk from Laren carried out a much-needed restoration in 1977. In 1997, permission was applied for to restore the sails, but nothing happened and so the mill's decline continued, until in 2004 salvation was near after housing corporation Laris bought the mill.

In 2007, the mill was restored milling-ready. Since then, there has been a user agreement with the St Martinusmolen Foundation, which operates the mill.