Clinton News-Record, 1985-07-10, Page 94Page 1bA
DeJongwindniill keeps Dutch tradition alive
DE JONG'S WINDMILL
Frank ` and Mary DeJong settled in
Goderich Township in 1955, on the Bayfield
Concession, Lots 68 and 14. It 1s here that
they developed a successful broiler chicken
enterprise which is known as Triple DJ
Enterprises Ltd.
Frank had emigrated from the Dutch pro-
vince of Geldeerland and -one of his enduring
memories of Holland was visiting his Uncle
Jan Hondema in Friesland and exploring
Jan's windmill. Although it had broken
down in 1944, this windmill had been an' '?
operating sawmill for over 200 years and
Frank's father had worked there as a boy.
Windmills were of real importance in
Holland for it is such a flat country that
there are few fast running streams to pro-
vide the water power that we are so ac-
customed to here in Canada. Being on the
coast of the North Sea meant it was provid-
ed with ample wind power. As a result,
windmills were a major source of power
• through the years.
Frank decided that he would like to bring
a sample of this Dutch heritage to Canada to
keep alive the history and beauty of his
native land. First he built a small lake and
island (35 acres), and. in 1980 started work
on his full sized model of a Dutch wind
driven sawmill. The sails will have a span of
35 feet each. The mill will be 77 feet long and
25 feet wide, capable of handling a log 40 feet
long and four feet in diameter. However
Frank reiterated that the windmill was built
for historical reasons, rather than as a com-
mercial venture.
Once the windmill is completed, it will tru-
ly be a landmark in our township of interest
not only to our residents of Dutch descent,
but also to all who are interested in beauty
and history.
Best wishes to all our friends and customers in
GODERICH TOWNSHIP
We're proud to be a part of your community!!
Have a great time at the Sesquicentennial Celebrations.
TODAY
Clere Vu 1985
•Repairs to most
makes and models of
cars and trucks
*Towing available
•Used car and truck parts"
SERVING GODERICH TOWNSHIP
SINCE 1955
CLERE-VU
AUTO WRECKERS
482-3211
Highway 8. three miles west of Clinton
YESTERDAY
Clere Vu 1956
*Tune-up/Engine Repair.
•Tires *Wheel Balancing
•Muffler -Batteries
etc.
•