De Kat, Zaandam
Windmill in Zaanstad, Netherlands
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History
The original 'De Kat' mill was built in 1646 as an oil mill. In 1781, it was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt by 1782. The mill was in use until 1904 and was then partially demolished.[5][7] In 1960, the eight-sided paint mill 'De Duinjager' was removed from its former position due to urban development and placed on top of the old 'De Kat' storehouse.[7] The mill again grinds raw materials, including minerals and chalk, to make pigments for paints traditionally.[4] The mill is owned by the Vereniging De Zaansche Molen.[8]
The mill, open to the public, receives 130,000 visitors annually, making it the most visited windmill in the Netherlands.[7][9]
Gallery
View of the mill
Drying shed for chalk[7]
Clogs at the door
Side stones
Pigment containers
Side stone with red pigment
