Scheemda: Village History and Industrial Heritage

If you’re looking for a hotel in Scheemda, the local stories can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: Scheemda brings together memories of the village’s relocation with church and industrial history. Each topic tells a different part of the story of the place—from a turning point in its development to individual buildings and their furnishings.

Village History and Scheemda Church

After another flood from the Dollard in 1509, the residents moved their entire village 1.5 kilometers to the north. At the new site, Scheemda Church was rebuilt as a hall church. The relocation and the church’s construction are therefore part of the same local history: the new site was not just a change on the map, but also where the church took shape in the form passed down through the years.

Other dates add to the picture. The old freestanding church tower was replaced by a new one in 1570. The present-day organ is a two-manual instrument built by Roelof Meijer in 1874. It is distinct from the painted organ shutters belonging to the earlier organ: they were sold to the Rijksmuseum, displayed there for many years, and are now in the museum’s storage. The church thus offers a way to trace both changes to the building and different chapters in its furnishings.

The Jewish monument in Scheemda commemorates all Jewish villagers who lost their lives as a result of wartime actions during the occupation. It adds a solemn note alongside the architectural history. As you explore the past of the place, both the village’s development and the remembrance of its Jewish residents come into view.

Industrial History at De Toekomst

The De Toekomst strawboard factory originally consisted of two separate factories: De Toekomst 1, dating from 1900, and De Toekomst II, dating from 1908. Both buildings were designed by the architect Pieter Geert Cremer. Strawboard was produced at the factory complex until 1968. The two construction dates, the shared architect, and the end of production offer different points of reference for the site’s history.

After standing empty for many years, the complex was restored as far as possible to its original condition between 2009 and 2011. Part of Paul Verhoeven’s film Black Book was also shot at the factory in 2006. These details describe different phases: the original factory buildings, their former use, a later restoration, and a chapter in their film history.

Visitors to the strawboard factory can also enjoy the virtual observation tower experience “Groningen from Above.” Check the latest information about this experience before your trip so that your plans are based on what is currently available.

Farmstead and Garden

Another historic building is the Oldambtster cross-house farmstead at Oosterstraat 53. It was built around 1894. The property includes a large garden with remnants of a landscaped design. These include a raised area with lime trees arranged in a semicircle and a ditch that was converted into a pond. If you’re interested in the design of historic properties, you’ll find specific garden features here as well as the building itself.

Walking, Cycling, and Practical Planning

The 25-kilometer “Blauwe Stad – Oldambtmeer” walking route starts in Scheemda and runs mostly around Oldambtmeer. Its stated length and route give you a concrete basis for including it in your travel plans. Route details may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

Bicycles can be rented for cycling tours around Oldambt at Roggeveld Fietsen, Stationsstraat 20. Since service details may change, it’s advisable to confirm current rental options before you arrive.

Publications from the Cultuurhistorisch Centrum Oldambt can also be collected in the center of Scheemda. Collection is by appointment, generally on Wednesdays or Thursdays, and payment is in cash. Arrange your appointment before you arrive and allow for cash payment in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Nieuweschans, Oostwold Gem Oldambt, Westerlee, Blauwestad, Nieuwolda, Nieuw Scheemda, Midwolda, Reiderland.

View the broader travel overview: Oldambt.