Molen de Haas

De Haas Mill in Oud-Sabbinge is a centuries-old historic mill with a remarkable story that is closely linked to the history of the region and the area surrounding Camping de Haas. The mill was built in 1852 and was, for a long time, an important part of agricultural life in Zuid-Beveland. Today, the mill stump still stands on the campsite.

The origins of De Haas

De Haas was established in 1852 after farmer Dingenis Tolhoek from Wolphaartsdijk was granted permission to build a mill. Shortly afterwards, he sold the plot to baker Gerard Bevelander, who had the mill built with two pairs of millstones and five storeys. The mill had a distinctive feature: the drive wheel was slightly too small when it was built, meaning the mill had to turn extra fast to generate enough power — hence the name ‘De Haas’. The campsite is, in turn, named after this mill.

The great mill fire of 1928

On 20 April 1928, one of the most dramatic events in the mill’s history took place. A few weeks after a major restoration, a fire broke out in the mill’s cap at around 4.00 am. The cause was most likely an overheated axle, resulting from strong winds.

The Wolphaartsdijk municipal volunteer fire brigade was quickly alerted and arrived on the scene with a motorised fire engine. Unfortunately, the water pressure from the local mains was insufficient to reach the mill’s cap, allowing the flames to spread unchecked and leaving the mill ablaze from top to bottom within a short space of time.

From windmill to mechanical mill

After the fire, the burnt-out shell was not demolished but converted into a mechanical mill. The mill was fitted with a unique single-cylinder Deutz/Brons engine, later replaced by a more powerful Deutz engine, enabling the mill to continue operating for a long time without sails. Such motor-driven mills are rare in Zeeland; only a few remain.

Visits and surroundings

Although Molen de Haas is not open to the public, the remains of the mill offer an impressive historical glimpse into Zeeland’s milling heritage. The mill is situated at the entrance to Camping de Haas and is ideal to combine with walks and cycle rides through the rustic landscape of Zuid-Beveland.