Mill De Zwaan - Voorst

The story of Mill De Zwaan does not begin in Voorst, but in Uithuizen in the province of Groningen. It was built there around 1740. Much later, in 1904, the mill was dismantled, transported by ship to Voorst and rebuilt there.

On the site where the mill now stands, there had previously been a steam-powered mill from 1894. Although it worked well, it was expensive to operate. With the arrival of the windmill, the steam engine became more of a support, while the mill became the main source of power.

In the years that followed, De Zwaan was used as a grain mill, grinding grain for the surrounding area. In 1967 the mill was thoroughly restored and given its current name: De Zwaan, named after the miller’s daughter, Zwaantje.

However, its future remained uncertain. Around 1980 the mill was at risk of falling into disuse again. Eventually it was saved by a local foundation. For a symbolic amount they took over the mill, allowing it to be restored once more. By 1991 it was fully operational again.

Since then, De Zwaan has been turning regularly thanks to volunteers. Occasionally, grain or animal feed is still milled here.