6
While most mills in Drenthe are grain mills, De Groeve is home to a polder mill (a type of m…
While most mills in Drenthe are grain mills, De Groeve is home to a polder mill (a type of mill used to drain a polder, which is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by dykes). The mill De Boezemvriend is near to the water of the lake Zuidlaardermeer. With an impressive mortar with a diameter of nine metres, the mill has been fully functional when it comes to milling again since 1990. The mill is located along a bicycle route by a bicycle bridge, and has a delightful lawn with benches. A great opportunity to take a break and watch the boats passing by.
Although not called De Boezemvriend at the time, the mill was built in 1871 to replace another mill at its location. The mill was responsible for draining the polder of Zuidlaren. It remained in use until 1934. In that year, an electric motor was installed in the mill, taking over its task. After falling into decay and being restored, the mill has been officially operational again since 1990, functioning as an auxiliary mill for Water Board Oostermoerse Vaart. Its name, De Boezemvriend, is also from that period. Its wooden mortar was recently replaced by a steel specimen. The old wooden mortar is currently lying alongside the mill and can therefore also be seen by passers-by outside of the mill’s opening hours.
Polder mill
