De Schoolmeester (The Schoolmaster)

Paper mill located on the Guispad at Westzaan

History

Paper mills like De Schoolmeester attracted global fame in bygone years. They wrote history by producing paper of exceptional quality. Indeed, the American Declaration of Independence is said to have been printed on paper made in a Zaan mill.

First mention is made of a paper mill along the Zaan in 1605, but it is likely the first one was around four years earlier. The first Zaan paper mills made only grey, blue and 'bond' paper, as De Schoolmeester mill still does today. The production of white paper was yet to come.

A number of important discoveries were made on the Zaan, including the beater tub, the so-called 'Hollander'. The principles of paper-making consist of separating the fibres of textile waste such as rugs, old rope and fish nets. By making use of the beater tub it was possible to reduce the time involved by 75% while considerably improving the quality of the paper at the same time.

At the end of the 17th century, there were some 40 paper mills in the Zaan region, all equipped with two or three beater tubs. Since 1692, De Schoolmeester had been owned by one or more owners, but as of 1977 there was only one: the Society of Zaan Windmills.

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