De Watermolen, Geldermalsen
Facts and practical information
The polder mill De Watermolen is a windmill built in 1772 at 8 Watermolenweg, in Geldermalsen, in the Dutch province of Gelderland. The mill does not actually have a name, but it is called the water mill after its function.
The mill is a wooden octagonal polder mill on a brick base of the type grondzeiler and is equipped with a scoop wheel that has a diameter of 6.50 m and is 40 cm wide.
The sails are of the old Dutch shape. The inner rod is 27.75 meters and the outer rod 27.85 m. The sails are set to the wind using a windlass.
The cap of the mill is equipped with a so-called English wheelbarrow. The Flemish catch is equipped with a catching or rocking stick.
The cast iron upper shaft from 1878 was cast by the De Prins van Oranje. The shaft is lubricated with lard. The combs on the wheels and pinion bars are treated with beeswax every year.
The mill was restored in 1915, 1970 and 1990. In 1915 the sails were fitted with iron, riveted pot rods, which were replaced with welded, steel rods in 1990.
The mill is still used for grinding water.
Gelderland