The Beemster

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

That same Dirck van Os was the driving force behind the reclamation of the Beemstermeer in 1607. Leeghwater managed to secure a position as supervisor of the mill construction. He apparently did a good job, as he subsequently received a bonus of 180 guilders. His wage of two and a half guilders a day was also not bad; an ordinary worker received less than a guilder a day. In total, he worked here for 278 days. The Beemster was drained in the spring of 1612, and on July 4, Princes Maurits and Frederik Hendrik came to see the new polder. A meal was served in Middenbeemster. Leeghwater enjoyed the honour of serving honour princes at the table.