Eschmolen Delden
The summer of 1959 was one of the warmest and driest of the last century. The old Eschmolen, built in 1734, was still at the end of Molenstraat. Due to the advent of electricity, it had been standing still for 45 years and was very neglected. The blades had already blown off as a result of a heavy storm in 1934. Teenage boys from the city regularly climbed in. Most of the reeds had disappeared from the hull, making it easy to climb up the slats. From the hood they had a beautiful view of the Deldeneresch and the horizon.
On July 28 of that year, things went wrong: three boys were smoking in the hood and one of them dropped a burning butt on the bone-dry reeds. This caught fire and smoke was immediately visible on the south side. The mill burned down completely and eventually collapsed.
Rebuild
The person who lived next to it as a 10-year-old boy and saw it happen, started a lobby for the mill to be rebuilt 50 years later, in 2009. Derk Rouwhorst provided a number of information evenings in ‘t Hoogspel about the history and operation of the Eschmolen. Then the plan for the rebuilding emerged. The “Eschmolen Delden Foundation” was founded with a number of enthusiastic specialists on its board. It soon became clear that many people were supportive of the plan. The foundation now has 500 friends who donate an amount annually. Due to the excellent cooperation with the Twickel Foundation, the Dutch Heidemij, the municipality of Hof van Twente, the province of Overijssel and the Deldense entrepreneurs, the prospects are very positive.
Millers in training
Interest in and belief in the rebuilding of the Eschmolen continues to grow. So much so that three residents of Delden have now registered to take the volunteer miller training course. Board member Ben Uitdewilligen has already started; he is gaining practical experience at the Almelo mill “De Hoop”. Partly due to his enthusiasm, Ron van der Cammen and Bart van de Ven are now also starting the training.
The Guild of Volunteer Millers was founded in 1972. After a two-year training course, candidate millers are tested on their practical experience and theoretical knowledge by the examination committee of the Association De Hollandsche Molen. Volunteer millers are not only of great importance because they keep mills running. They also carry out minor maintenance, receive visitors and tell some things about the technology and history of the mill.
An ornament in the attractive landscape
The new Eschmolen is a fact; a jewel in the attractive landscape of the Deldense Esch and definitely worth a visit. So feel free to cycle by and enjoy a cup of coffee with free stroopwafel.
Address
Molenstraat 80
7491BG Delen
The Netherlands
Website
Eschmolen Delden