A unique piece of the Netherlands
De Proefpolder
Welcome to the special Proefpolder in Andijk, a unique piece of the Netherlands that protruded like a cape into the old Zuiderzee. This polder, part of the famous Zuiderzee Works, has a rich history and played an important role in the development of the IJsselmeer polders such as the Wieringermeer, Noordoostpolder, and Flevoland. But it all started here, with the Proefpolder!
The 1916 Storm Surge
The history of this special polder goes back to the stormy night of January 13-14, 1916. A severe northwesterly storm raged across the Zuiderzee region and caused much damage. In North Holland, the dikes broke near Waterland and the Anna Paulowna polder, causing major flooding. Near Andijk and Wervershoof, the situation was very critical, with waves pounding the dike for hours.
Heroic Rescue Action
With great courage and perseverance, the men from the village, led by overseer Lodewijk Louwers, managed to save the dike. They used sails to reinforce the soggy and mushy dike. Thanks to their efforts, the area was spared the salty flood.
Large-scale Dike Improvements
After this storm surge, large-scale dike improvements began as early as 1916. In Andijk about three hundred houses were moved to make room for these reinforcements. The storm surge of 1916 was also decisive for the acceptance of Cornelis Lely's plan for closing off and reclaiming the Zuiderzee. Diking of the Wieringermeerpolder began in 1927, but first the Proefpolder at Andijk was constructed in 1926-1927.
Research and Innovation in the Trial Polder
The Trial Polder, a modest polder of about forty acres, dried up in August 1927. The purpose of this polder was to study how best to dewater and desalinate the new soil and what crops would grow well. The first plots were sown in the fall of 1928 and a farm with laboratory was also built that year.
Valuable Insights
A variety of crops were tested in the Trial Polder, from canary seed to winter wheat and spinach. These trials provided valuable insights that were invaluable to the reclaimed Wieringermeer in 1930.
From Trial Polder to Recreation Area
After the trials, the Proefpolder was leased and later came into the hands of the municipality of Andijk. Many inhabitants had a horticultural business there, and after 1970 the polder was given a recreational purpose. Today the old Proefpolder is filled with charming vacation bungalows.
Central Care for Sea Dikes
The 1916 storm surge also taught the government an important lesson: the care of the sea dikes had to be centrally arranged. Therefore, the Hoogheemraadschap Noordhollands Noorderkwartier was established to manage all the sea dikes in North Holland.
Come and Discover
Come and discover for yourself the special history and beautiful landscape of the Proefpolder near Andijk! It is a place where history and recreation go hand in hand.