De Adriaan: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

De Adriaan was officially opened on May 19th, 1779. At that time, the windmill was located outside the main city. It was built on the foundations of the Goevrouwetoren, an old tower that was part of the city's defences. This foundation was made stronger because it was severely damaged in the war with Spain.

The Adriaan is located at the river Spaarne. Nowadays the windmill is in the middle of the city.

In 1865 a steam engine was placed in the windmill, to make it more competitive in the market. However, it was not efficient enough, and it was to be put down. Then in 1925 the windmill was bought by the Dutch windmill society Vereniging De Hollandsche Molen to prevent demolition.

In a storm in 1930 the mill was severely damaged.

Fire

On April 23rd, 1932 the windmill was burnt down. This event was a shock for many citizens of the city.

In 1963 the Haarlem municipality became owner of the mill and tried to restore it. That failed, however, due to a lack of funds.

It was rebuilt in 1999 on the original foundations of the old windmill. Windmill De Adriaan was reopened on April 23rd 2002, exactly 70 years after the fire. The current owner is Stichting Molen De Adriaan.

The windmill is fully functional, and is capable to grind grain. However, it is not often in use - it works for tourists, mostly on Saturdays and holidays. Inside the windmill is a small museum, and the interior can be seen.