De Benjamin - Slootdorp

For many pioneers, De Benjamin marked the beginning of their new life in the polder. In 1934, the first plots in the Wieringermeer were ready to be issued. On viewing days, interested settlers could visit the polder. They were welcomed at the domain office in Slootdorp and then brought to this demonstration farm, where they received demonstrations of the farm layout and daily agricultural work.

Not just anyone could settle in the Wieringermeer. There was a strict selection based on farming knowledge, behaviour, and even the attitude of the farmer’s wife. They also paid attention to a fair distribution of regions and religious groups. The Wieringermeer had to reflect the whole of the Netherlands.

What stands out right away is that this demonstration farm looks nothing like the other Wieringermeer farms. It appears to be just a barn, without a house. That’s not a coincidence. This farm was the very first prototype for the Wieringermeer farms. It was built at the same time as the early pioneering barns and shares many of their features. The house, as you can see, is not a separate building but integrated into the barn. Still, it functioned as a proper farm with livestock and crops, to give new residents an impression of life in the polder. There’s only one farm of this type.

Later on, this large barn design turned out to be less suitable for smaller farms. That’s why the later farms you may have seen along this cycle route were built with different materials. For instance, the roof trusses in this barn are made of steel, like those in the early barns. In later farms, these were replaced with wood. Those newer farms also have a separate house attached to the barn.

Nowadays, De Benjamin houses a lovely farm shop.

Photo: ©Historisch Genootschap Wieringermeer