This trestle Windmill iwas built in 1718 in the north-western part of the village of Drewnica, in Nowy Dwór Gdański County, Pomeranian Voivodeship, in northern Poland. As a milling windmill, i.e. a windmill for grinding grain. It was built by the Mennonites, Dutch settlers who were farming in Żuławy at that time

Trestle windmills blades view in Drewnica
Trestle windmills blades view in Drewnica

In the 19th century, wooden trestle windmills were a common sight in many parts of Europe, including Poland.

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What is a trestle windmill in general?

Trestle windmills schematic
Trestle windmills schematic

Windmill construction

Trestle windmills were typically made primarily of wood, with beams and planks forming the main structural elements. The trestle itself consisted of sturdy vertical and horizontal beams, often braced with diagonal supports, providing stability to the windmill. The wooden construction allowed for flexibility and durability while being relatively lightweight.

Design

A trestle windmill featured a tall, vertical post that acted as the central axis. This post was firmly set into the ground and connected to the trestle platform. The platform was elevated above the ground and provided a stable base for the windmill structure. The entire body of the windmill, including the sails and machinery, was mounted on the trestle and could rotate freely to face the wind.

Sails of trestle windmill

The sails of a wooden trestle windmill were typically made of wooden frames covered with canvas or wooden boards. The number of sails varied, but they were commonly equipped with four to eight sails, which were arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The sails’ shape and angle were adjustable to capture the most optimal wind power.

Trestle windmill function

Wooden trestle windmills were versatile and performed various tasks. The most common function was grain milling, where the rotational energy generated by the wind turned millstones to grind grain into flour. They could also be used for other tasks such as sawing timber, crushing materials, or pumping water, depending on the specific design and machinery installed.

Decline

By the late 19th century, advancements in industrial technologies, such as steam power and mechanization, led to a decline in the use of windmills. More efficient and cost-effective milling methods emerged, rendering traditional windmills less economically viable. As a result, many wooden trestle windmills gradually fell into disuse and disrepair.

“Koźlak” What?

Information about windmill "Koźlak" in Drewnica
Information about windmill “Koźlak” in Drewnica

It comes from 1718. Made almost entirely of wood. A unique milling windmill with a solid roof in the shape of an inverted boat. It is the oldest preserved windmill on the Baltic coast.

information board

The Polish word “Koźlak” can be phonetically represented for English speakers as “KOHZ-lahk.” Here’s a breakdown of the pronunciation:

  • “Ko” is pronounced as “KOH,” with the “o” sounding like the “o” in “go.”
  • “ź” is pronounced as “z,” similar to the “s” sound in “measure” but with the tip of the tongue closer to the roof of the mouth.
  • “lak” is pronounced as “lahk,” with the “a” sounding like the “a” in “father.”

Putting it all together, “Koźlak” is pronounced as “KOHZ-lahk.”


Where is this trestle windmill? Take a look at map

Story of trestle windmill “Koźlak”

Trestle windmills in Drewnica
Trestle windmills in Drewnica

Construction and History

The trestle windmill in Drewnica, Poland, was constructed in 1718 by Mennonite settlers from the Netherlands who were farming in the Żuławy region. This windmill served as a milling windmill specifically designed for grinding grain. It is one of the two surviving windmills out of approximately 100 that existed in the area until 1945.

Windmill architecture

The windmill is built in the trestle or post mill style, where the main body of the windmill is mounted on a vertical post that can rotate to face the wind. The structure is predominantly made of wood, with vertical board cladding on the frame. It stands on a brick foundation. The windmill has a cuboid shape and is covered with a shingle roof resembling an inverted boat, featuring an overhang. Under the overhang, there is a small gallery with tall stairs leading to the entrance door.

Preservation and Equipment

Although the windmill no longer serves its original milling function, it has undergone partial renovations and remains in private ownership. The interior of the windmill preserves various mechanisms and elements of old equipment, offering insights into its milling operations and historical significance.

Who are Mennonites?

The Mennonites are a religious group with roots in the Anabaptist movement that began in the 16th century in Europe. Mennonites are known for their commitment to peace, simplicity, and community, and they have a long history of living apart from mainstream society in order to preserve their beliefs and way of life.

The central tenets of the Mennonite faith include adult baptism, nonviolence, and separation from the world. Mennonites believe in living a simple and humble life, focused on faith, family, and community. They place a strong emphasis on living according to their beliefs, rather than conforming to the ways of the world.

Throughout history, Mennonites have faced persecution for their beliefs and have been forced to move from place to place in search of religious freedom. Today, Mennonite communities can be found around the world, from Europe to North America to South America and beyond.

In addition to their religious beliefs, Mennonites are also known for their contributions to agriculture and rural life. They have a long history of settling in rural areas and developing successful farming communities. Many Mennonites are still involved in agriculture today, and they are recognized for their expertise and hard work in this field.

Overall, the Mennonites are a unique and fascinating religious group, known for their commitment to peace, simplicity, and community. If you’re interested in learning more about the Mennonites and their history, there are many resources available, including books, articles, and websites.

Mennonites in Poland

Mennonites have a historical presence in Poland, particularly in the region known as Żuławy Wiślane, which is located in northern Poland. The Mennonites were members of a Protestant religious group that emerged during the Reformation in the 16th century. They were known for their beliefs in pacifism, adult baptism, and community-oriented living.

In the late 16th century, Mennonites from the Netherlands and Germany began settling in Żuławy Wiślane, attracted by the fertile agricultural land and religious freedom offered by the Polish kings. They brought with them their agricultural expertise and established prosperous farming communities.

The Mennonites in Poland played a significant role in the development of agriculture and trade in the region. They introduced advanced farming techniques, such as drainage systems and innovative agricultural practices, which greatly improved the productivity of the land. They were skilled in cultivating crops like flax, wheat, and rye, as well as in dairy farming.

Additionally, the Mennonites in Poland were known for their craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. They were skilled carpenters, millers, and builders, and they contributed to the construction of windmills, houses, and other infrastructure in the region. They also established successful businesses and played an active role in local trade.

Over time, however, the Mennonite population in Poland gradually declined. Factors such as assimilation, migration to other regions, and the impact of various historical events, including World War II, led to a decrease in their numbers. Today, the Mennonite heritage can still be seen in the architecture, windmills, and cultural traditions of Żuławy Wiślane, although few Mennonite descendants remain in the area.

Windmills

Out of 100 windmills, only two in Drewnica and one in Placzew remain today.

Today, this windmill no longer fulfills its role and is in private hands.

During our visit you could see that its glory years are long behind it. The propellers are missing, some parts of the walls are destroyed, and when walking around you have to be careful what you step into.


Some information comes from these sources:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drewnica,_Nowy_Dwór_Gdański_County, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.