De Eenhoorn

In the charming town of Heemstede, nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, stands a remarkable relic of Dutch industrial heritage: De Eenhoorn. This majestic paltrok mill, with its sweeping sails and intricate wooden mechanisms, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, where wind power was harnessed to fuel the burgeoning timber industry. De Eenhoorn, which translates to The Unicorn, is not only a testament to Dutch engineering prowess but also a beloved landmark that continues to captivate visitors with its storied history and unique architectural features.

The History of De Eenhoorn

The origins of De Eenhoorn can be traced back to the 17th century, a period marked by rapid industrial growth and innovation in the Netherlands. The first mentions of a sawmill on this site date from this era, highlighting the long-standing significance of this location for timber processing. The current structure, however, was erected in 1776, as evidenced by an inscription found within the mill. This new paltrok mill replaced an older mill, continuing the tradition of wood sawing that had been established centuries earlier.

Over the years, ownership of De Eenhoorn changed hands multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the timber industry. The mill remained operational until 1924 when the advent of electric-powered sawmills rendered wind-powered mills obsolete. In an effort to preserve this piece of industrial heritage, De Hollandsche Molen, a Dutch organization dedicated to the conservation of windmills, acquired De Eenhoorn to save it from demolition.

Despite being saved, the mill saw limited use in the following years. It was rented out to millers who primarily relied on electric sawmills, and by 1931, commercial operations had ceased entirely. In 1949, the foundation Nehim-Molen De Eenhoorn was established by a director of the wood trading company N.V. Nederlandse Houtimport Maatschappij Nehim, with the goal of restoring and operating the windmill. The foundation oversaw the mill's restoration and maintenance until its dissolution in 1957, after which ownership reverted to De Hollandsche Molen. In 1963, the mill was sold to the municipality of Haarlem, and since 1984, it has been operated by Stichting Molens Zuid-Kennemerland. Thanks to these efforts, De Eenhoorn was fully restored to working order by 1990, with further repairs carried out in the early 1990s.

Exploring De Eenhoorn

Stepping into De Eenhoorn is like stepping back in time. This Dutch paltrok mill, with its distinctive wooden structure, is a marvel of traditional engineering. Unlike other types of windmills, paltrok mills are specifically designed for sawing wood, and De Eenhoorn is a prime example of this specialization. The mill is supported on a short central post and a ring of wooden rollers, allowing the entire structure to rotate and face the wind. This ingenious design ensures that the sails can capture the maximum amount of wind energy, driving the intricate sawing mechanisms within.

The mill's body is clad in wooden boards, but the sawing floor is open on three sides, with only the windward side and the roof providing protection from the elements. This open design allows for easy access to the logs, which are hoisted onto the sawing platform using winches and a log hoist. The sails, with a span of 20 meters, are set from a stage 2.8 meters above the ground. These sails are connected to a cast-iron windshaft, which drives the brake wheel and, in turn, the crank wheel on the horizontal crankshaft.

One of the unique features of De Eenhoorn is its four sawing frames, one more than is typical for Dutch wind-sawmills. This additional frame required the mill to be slightly wider than usual, accommodating the extra machinery. Although the rearmost sawing frame was later removed and replaced with a reciprocating weight for balance, the remaining frames still operate in harmony, driven by crank pins and connecting rods. These mechanisms power the frame saws, as well as the pawl and ratchet systems that drive the winches and log carriages.

Visiting De Eenhoorn

De Eenhoorn is open to visitors on Saturdays and by appointment, offering a unique opportunity to witness a working windmill in action. As you explore the mill, you'll be amazed by the craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into its construction. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to explain the mill's history and operation, providing insights into the lives of the millers who once toiled here.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an engineering aficionado, or simply someone looking to experience a piece of Dutch heritage, a visit to De Eenhoorn is sure to be a memorable experience. The mill stands as a proud reminder of the Netherlands' rich industrial past and the enduring legacy of wind power. So, next time you find yourself in Heemstede, don't miss the chance to see De Eenhoorn in all its glory – a true unicorn of the windmill world.