De Lichtwachter -1882 - Schokland, The Netherlands
Posted by: 
Axel-F
N 52° 39.385 E 005° 46.785
31U E 688008 N 5837678
Building on the former island Schokland (Unesco site) in the Netherlands.
Waymark Code: WM19A15
Location: Flevoland, Netherlands
Date Posted: 01/06/2024
Views: 1
de lichtwachterswoning (the light keeper's house)
This building dates from the period when Schokland was still an island. It was built in 1882 as an official residence for the first harbor master.
The last resident was Jan Spit, who stayed at Schokland from 1923 to 1940. He was known as an understated man who took his position very seriously. As the highest official, he was responsible for the administration and the moorings in the harbor and as a light keeper for the harbor lights and the lighthouse. His wife Jeltje ran a tiny shop in the house with groceries, which the skippers and fishermen liked to use. The store was supplied from Kampen.
The motorboat that was moored in the harbor was used for this purpose. Once a week Jan Spit made the journey to Kampen with this vessel, nicknamed the pig. In addition to provisions and supplies, the mail was also taken.
In his absence, the second harbor master Harmen Smit was responsible for port activities. His home was between this house and the fog horn building further away. While harbor master Spit was known as a silent and serious man, Harmen Smit was lively and talkative. He therefore acquired great popularity among fishermen and skippers. He was called the grand old man of the Zuiderzee. Born on Schokland, he only left the island during his school years. In addition to being harbor master, he was office manager of the PTT and director of the Schokland fish auction. He was eloquent and jovial towards visitors to the island.
After the reclamation of the Noordoostpolder, Harmen Smit's house was demolished due to dilapidation. The Lighthouse and fish auction lost their function and were dismantled.
This light keeper's house was extensively restored in 2002, on behalf of the municipality of Noordoostpolder, and was given its current appearance.
Year built or dedicated as indicated on the structure or plaque: 1882
Website (if available): [Web Link]
Full Inscription (unless noted above): Not listed
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