De Oostenwind, Asten

De Oostenwind is a closed stand windmill in Asten. The mill serves as a corn mill and is located at Molenweg 23.

Although an inscription seems to indicate the year of construction is 1506, the construction is 18th-century, such as the staircase shape with stringers and gate posts between the stone beam instead of a nut post below the stone beam. The inscription may have been on a part of a predecessor, as documents show that a mill has stood at this site since the 15th century. In any case, the stand dates from 1506.

Until the 20th century the mill was owned by the Lords of Asten. In 1953 it was sold to the Van Stekelenburg family.

After De Oostenwind was restored in 1961, a fire started in it in 1970, severely damaging the mill. From 1973-1975 the mill was rebuilt and moved several meters. In addition, it was placed on an artificial hill.

The mill only received its current name in 2006. Before that it was referred to as the Mill of Stekelenburg.

The color scheme of brick red with cream-colored piping is striking. The mill is operated by a volunteer miller.

The mill originally had a front and rear mill. Now only the front mill remains.

The windvane gear is old Dutch and has riveted iron pot rods. The inner rod is 25.95 m and the outer rod from 1881 with number 1313 is 25.96 long.

The 5.24 long wooden upper shaft has a cast iron insert head from the Gebr. Mercx of Tilburg and an iron cap on the pin side.

The mill is caught, braked, with a Flemish catch. Around the upper wheel there is an iron hoop for catching. The mill has an inside catcher's pole. The sable iron, connection between catch beam and catch pieces, is made of wood.