De Lelie on the Geerkade in Etten-Leur is still in full operation. It is inevitable that Van Gogh must have seen this mill while walking from 'Etten' to 'Leur'.
The mill "De Lelie" was built in 1801 by a millwright from Princenhage, namely Carolus Oomen. The mill was set up as a bark mill. A few years later the mill was also set up as a corn mill. However, this renovated mill burned down in 1833. Only a burnt-out ruin remained. Rebuilding followed in 1834 by the Leur millwright Wouter van Rijmenam.
As was the case with so many other mills, the mill was decommissioned in the early 1920s. Propulsion by wind was decommissioned. A motor grinding mill has been operated in the remaining hull ever since. On January 20, 1937, the mill was struck by fire. The fire started when the miller wanted to put the crude oil engine into operation. The combination of a burning lamp and leaking gasoline caused a fire that burned out the entire mill.
The stone hull was then truncated in 1956, leaving only the lower meters. In 1986, the then mayor of Etten-Leur, Mr. Houben brought up a possible rebuilding of the mill on the occasion of an event.
The Adriaan van Bergen Foundation, named after the famous skipper of the peat ship who took Breda in 1590, then appointed a committee called "Rebuilding Mill De Lelie." After this, a fundraising effort began, with owner Augustijn providing the initial capital.
The first phase of rebuilding began in 1993, during which the grinding mill, which was present at the bottom of the mill, was removed. The restoration of the substructure was completed in 1994. Some parts were also obtained from the demolished Kladde mill.
The next phase involved the construction of the hull, which was completed in 1995, after which an emergency cap was installed. The mill technical matters were taken care of by the millwrights Gebrs. Straver from Almkerk. The first parts of the running gear were ready in 1996.
The entire reconstruction was completed in 1998. Mayor Houben, now Commissioner of the Queen of North Brabant performed the official opening the same year. The total rebuild cost about 1.5 million guilders. The mill is now in use as a corn mill and in operation and can be visited on weekends. The lily has been a municipal monument since 2028.
Everyone is welcome to visit the mill. Every Wednesday and Saturday between noon and 4 p.m. or by appointment. The mill store is open and receptions and small-group tours are available (advance registration is wise).
The Lily
Geerkade 45, 4871 CK Etten-Leur
info@korenmolendelelie.nl
06-15526452
