Scheemda: Local History and Notable Buildings

Scheemda combines a turbulent village history with traces of ecclesiastical and industrial architecture. After another flood from the Dollart, residents moved the entire village 1.5 kilometres north in 1509. Scheemda’s past therefore encompasses both a fundamental change in the village’s location and memorial sites and buildings from various centuries.

Local History and the Church

The Jewish monument in Scheemda commemorates all the village’s Jewish residents who lost their lives as a result of acts of war during the years of occupation. It adds a distinct note to the area’s older history and draws attention to the memory of the people who lived there.

At the new location, the Scheemder Church was rebuilt as a hall church. The term describes a church interior designed as a single, continuous hall. The old freestanding church tower was replaced by a new one in 1570. The organ’s history also goes back a long way: the current organ is a two-manual instrument built by Roelof Meijer in 1874. The painted organ shutters from the church’s earlier organ were sold to the Rijksmuseum, exhibited there for years, and are now in the museum’s storage depot. Scheemda thus brings together its current organ and the eventful history of an earlier instrument.

The De Toekomst Strawboard Factory

Another highlight is the De Toekomst strawboard factory, where strawboard was manufactured until 1968. The complex originally consisted of two separate factories: De Toekomst 1, built in 1900, and De Toekomst II, built in 1908. Both buildings were designed by the architect Pieter Geert Cremer. After standing empty for years, the complex was restored as far as possible to its original condition between 2009 and 2011.

A film production is also part of the site’s history: a scene from Paul Verhoeven’s film “Zwartboek” was shot at the factory in 2006. Visitors to the strawboard factory can also try the virtual observation tower experience “Groningen van Boven.” Details of this experience may change, so it is best to check its availability before making plans.

Farm Complex and Walking Route

Another architectural example is the Oldambtster cross-house farm complex at Oosterstraat 53, built around 1894. It 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. The complex thus combines a specific building type with a designed garden landscape.

If you are planning a longer walk, the 25-kilometre “Blauwe Stad – Oldambtmeer” route is an option. It starts in Scheemda and runs mostly around the Oldambtmeer. Its length and route provide a clear basis for planning; check the latest route details before setting off. For trips around Oldambt, you can rent bicycles from Roggeveld Fietsen at Stationsstraat 20. Check with the rental shop in advance as part of your planning.

Practical Planning for Your Stay

Publications from the Cultuurhistorisch Centrum Oldambt can be collected at the centre in Scheemda by appointment, generally on Wednesdays or Thursdays, with payment in cash. If you would like to use this option, arrange your appointment in advance.

When looking for a holiday rental in Scheemda, you can plan around the main focus of your trip: would you like to explore local and industrial history, or set aside time for the 25-kilometre walking route? This decision can help you tailor your stay to your interests and include Scheemda appropriately in your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Reiderland, Drieborg, Winschoten, Nieuweschans, Oudezijl, Blauwestad, Nieuwolda and Nieuw Scheemda.

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