The Langelander mill in Garmerwolde in the province of Groningen in Black and White by Marga Vroom

About "The Langelander mill in Garmerwolde in the province of Groningen in Black and White"

by Marga Vroom

About the artwork

The Langelandster is a classic polder mill built in 1829 in the open countryside between Garmerwolde and Thesing, in the province of Groningen. It is an octagonal windmill, which means that the mill has an octagonal shape and only the cap with the sails (the 'bovenkruien') needs to be turned to put the sails on the wind.
The name comes from the spot: the mill stands on a long and narrow piece of land, hence 'Langelandster'. The beard (the wooden board under the cap) proudly displays the name. The original and current function of the mill is to drain water (pumping). With its large auger, the mill lifts water from the polder to a higher channel, keeping the Lange Bovenrijgsterpolder dry and the water level in order.
Although there has also been an electric pumping station next to it since 1950, De Langelandster still turns voluntarily today to help control the water level and keep it in good condition.
The mill went through hard times. It fell into disrepair after 1950, but fortunately it was extensively restored in 1988 and refurbished again in 2021, so it can now run at full capacity again.
The Langelandster stands in a typical Groningen wide landscape known as the 'Lageland'
The surroundings are characterised by large open plains with meadows, fields and wide ditches and canals. There are few trees, giving free rein to the wind and the mill can be seen from miles away. It is a quiet, agricultural area, perfect for walkers and cyclists who like wide vistas. The mill stands directly on the water it drains and near the Thesingemaar. This makes the mill not only a technical monument, but also a beautiful beacon in the landscape that recalls centuries of struggle against water in this low-lying province. I took the photo at sunrise and noticed a deer standing in front of the mill.