Treasures from the archive

The Municipal Archives has a large number of special records, the oldest of which dates back to the seventeenth century (1616)! Some archival treasures are highlighted here. Every two months we post a new archival piece.

Overview

Ûleboerden: Heritage on the ridge
An owl sign is often visible on farms in Opsterland. Each region has its own type, symbolism and meaning.
1851: Municipality of Opsterland divided in two
There have been several municipal redivisions in the Netherlands. This history goes back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. In 1851, there were 1209 municipalities in the Netherlands. By 2023, this had been reduced to 342.
1866: The curbing of cholera
From cholera to smallpox: infectious diseases used to bring a lot of suffering. From our municipal archives this article on how Opsterland fought epidemics and what measures were taken to protect residents.
1825: The Flood
This year marks the 200th anniversary of Fryslân's great flood disaster. The storm surge of 1825, caused by a northwestern storm combined with spring tides, high inland water and poorly maintained dikes.
1759: Gorredijk gets a new bridge
Gorredijk is a "vlecke" (settlement with urban characteristics that is not a town) and originated from peat extraction and peat digging. In 1759 we find a document in the archives that gives insight into the construction of a new bridge in Gorredijk
1858: Hard trotting in Beetsterzwaag
The hard trotting is an equestrian sport that involves running a course at speed. Around 1871, the hard trotting was one of the three great national entertainments in Holland and Friesland, alongside skating and sailing.