The Beemster

The reception of Princes Maurice and Frederick Henry in the Beemster, July 4, 1612. Fourth from left: Leeghwater. Detail from print published at the 250th anniversary of the polder in 1862. Lithograph by Van Treslong & Co. after a drawing by A.H.H. Brakensiek. Museum Betje Wolff, Middenbeemster.

The same Dirck van Os was the great pacesetter for the reclamation of the Beemster Lake in 1607. Leeghwater managed to secure an appointment as overseer of the mill construction. This he apparently did well since he afterwards received a gratuity of 180 guilders. His salary of two and a half guilders per day was not bad either; an ordinary worker received less than one guilder per day. In total, he was employed here for 278 days. The Beemster was drained in the spring of 1612, and on July 4 Princes Maurice and Frederik Hendrik came to see the new polder. A meal was served in Middenbeemster. Leeghwater then enjoyed the honor of serving both princes at the table.