Het Pink – English

Het Pink

The oldest parts of the Het Pink oil mill in Koog aan de Zaan probably date from 1620. The original rocking mill was replaced in 1751 by an octagonal mill, which was placed on the original bottom square. Until 1931, Het Pink operated on wind power. After the death of owner Adriaan Honig in the same year, the mill stood still and fell into disrepair.

In 1939 the mill was donated to De Zaansche Molen. The Gebroeders Husslage mill factory immediately started the restoration, the first major mill restoration in the Zaan region. After the official opening in September 1939, the mill was converted into a museum mill.

The mill would be opened for the first time on May 10, 1940. Especially for the opening, Frans Mars (founder of the association) had exhibited some of his work in the mill, and it was also decided to put the Pink in the traditional bridal dress for this occasion. The mill was decorated on May 8 and 9. The outbreak of the Second World War threw a spanner in the works and on May 10, the beautifully decorated mill was hastily stripped of its decoration.

Planting seeds for future millers

Het Pink has an extensive history for the association. In addition to oil minting and receiving visitors, millers are also trained and there is a carpentry club for youth members. Here a seed is planted for future millperch (m/f). Youth education projects have also taken place in this special mill for many years. Like Kind in 1945, who asked the millwrights if they came to work in their wooden shoes.