Zaandijk Travel Guide

History:
Oil-mill “De Zoeker” (The Seeker)
The history of “De Zoeker” goes back to April 1676 when this windmill was given its milling permit. After the rise of steam-powered factories, the oil mill, built in Zaandijk, eventually fell into disuse. In 1891 the mill’s looks further deteriorated when its interior machinery was removed and it was set up as a dye mill. In February 1925 the windmill was severely damaged by a particularly violent gust of wind. Thanks to the effort of volunteers, it could be restored. In 1940 “De Zoeker” was closed down and in 1950 it was taken over by the town council of Zaandijk. On the 1st August 1968 the mill was moved from Guisveld in Zaandijk to its present location on the Zaanseschans. During this spectacular journey, a large crane lifted the body of the mill over the railway-wires. The windmill had to be removed from its old location because of urban development plans. After the move, “De Zoeker” was handed over to the windmill society “De Zaansche Molen”. (Text by them)

Please checkout my travelogues where you will find pictures from both the outside and the inside of this windmill.
It is currently being used as a production mill, still for producing oil, oil from peanuts of from 'lijnzaad'.

When you need more info, please contact me in:
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The mill is a production mill, millstones weighing 2500 kilos will go round and round and round. See my travelogue for more details.