The Hoolst watermill was probably founded in the 13th century and is perhaps the oldest mill in Balen. It would have been there before the actual village of Balen. It is an undershot mill with a completely iron water wheel. This wheel has a special double function: on the one hand it drives the grain mill and on the other hand the oil mill with which seeds are crushed into smout. Both mills are powered by one water wheel, which is unique in the world.
The oldest official mention of the mill dates from around 1289. The mill may have already existed in 1223, since in that year the abbey of Corbie entrusted an unspecified water mill to Mol's guardian. Various documents show that this mill was the ban mill of Balen. Local residents were therefore obliged to grind their grain at this mill.
Throughout its history, the mill was restored or renovated several times. The current mill building, originally made of wood but petrified in the period 1914-1919, dates back to at least the 18th century and includes a grain mill and an oil mill. Because of the dual function, there were initially two wooden wheels. The impact mill had a separate water wheel eastwards on a second Nete arm, which was later filled in. After 1911 the switch was made to one wheel. The mill was shut down in 1967 due to a lack of sufficient grain. After various repair works, and thanks to the volunteer association the Molenvrienden Balen-Olmen, it was thoroughly restored in 1987-1988. Since then it has been regularly restarted.
On July 4, 1984, the Mill Friends received a visit from King Baudouin at Hoolstmolen, who was extensively informed about the operation of the mill. Appropriately, he was presented with a mill loaf and a bottle of smout.
SOURCE: Heritage Balen and Olmense Association for Local History and History
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Translated by Google •
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