Windmill Park Tour

1. Information Kiosk

The central information center identifies events in Orange City. It also contains a detailed map showing locations of local businesses. Brochures may be found in the box below the posters.

 

2. Standard Molen (Post Mill)

This is the oldest type of molen used as early as 1200 to grind corn.

 

3. Wipmolen (Hollow Post Mill)

Developed during the 15th century, this is the oldest drainage molen. It evolved from the Standard Molen and was used to drain the polders.

 

4. Paltrokmolen

Developed around 1600, these were used to saw timber. Logs arriving on flats had to remain in water for a long time before they were sawn, thus this molen was always located along a waterfront.

 

5. Farmer’s Market

Looking ahead beyond a patio, you will see a farmer’s market. It is built in the style of Zaanse Schaans with dark green paint and decorative shutters. A “Booster Rooster” stands proudly on top of the cupola which is modeled after one on the Spaander Hotel in Volendam, North Holland.

 

6. Tjasker

Continuing around on the sidewalk, you will see on your right a small molen called “Tjasker.” These molens were used to keep pasture lands dry and have fallen entirely into disuse. These do not resemble the typical Dutch Molen in any way.

 

7. Poldermolen

Developed in North Holland during the 16th century to drain polders, these molens were built in gangs of five, each one lifting the water three feet.

 

8. Stellingmolen (Tower Mill)

About 1604, Dutch millwrights started to build large and tall molens to grind corn; these were able to catch the wind across other buildings and did not have to be erected on the outskirts of the towns. Used as a corn mill for industrial purposes during the 17th century.

 

9. Canal

As you walk across the bridge which spans the canal, note the fares one would pay to cross the bridge. This is a replica of the baluster lifting bridge found in Ouderkerk, Friesland. The mechanism which would open the bridge to canal traffic was a counterbalanced beam so that it could be opened by one person.

 

10. Water Pump

Centered in Windmill Park is a replica of the town pump in Middleburg, Zeeland. This was not only a water source for people, but the place to share the news by the citizens.

 

11. Bandshell

This was designed with towers, copper turrets, and colorful shutters similar to the castles in Gelderland.

 

12. Colorful Fences

The park displays three different fence designs patterned after those found in North Holland.

 

13. Children’s Playground

This was recently re-done to accommodate a play area in the downtown business area.

 

14. Tulip Beds

The beds contain thousands of bulbs imported from the Netherlands which bloom each May for the Tulip Festival. Also, each province in the Netherlands is represented with a flag. Annuals are planted to beautify the park during the summer.

 

15. Windmill Information Booth

Built in 1955, the Windmill Information Booth is used during Tulip Festival and other community events.