Parks, bridges and swimming pools are named after him and who it was awarded to live the Beemster is probably very grateful to him.
It is 450 years ago that Rijpenaar Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater was born. The hydraulic engineering was jointly responsible for the reclamation of the Beemster. A regional hero, that is why his anniversary year is celebrated.
Welcome to or without H
Sombroek makes calls everywhere and ‘bombards everyone’ says he is asked whether they are or know empty (h) waters. Incidentally, there is still uncertainty about the spelling of the surname, so that both the Leehwaters and Leegwaters are very welcome.
Leeghwater has invented its name itself, but according to Sombroek, the H has now ‘fallen off’. The empty waters that are now walking around no longer have that. “That is why we say: whether you have the H or not, you are certainly welcome at the reunion.”
Influencer from first hour
According to the coordinator of the party, the hydraulic engineering was also a good PR man: “He managed to play in the spotlight at the right time, an influencer, you could say for the joke. So good that we put the land of Leegwater on stilts 450 years later and celebrate his birth year.”
Animo now seems to be plenty of them. “Leeghwaters suddenly come from everywhere,” says Sombroek. “There is even a gentleman from America, who has booked a flight and also comes to the reunion.”
Descendants
In the meantime, Sombroek is also working to tinker the empty water stem tree, and whoever seems so hot from that research indeed be a descendant of their famous namesake, she says. She hopes to reach as many people as possible, but at least a hundred namesakes. All the way in style, the reunion in the Beemster is organized during the Beemster party week.
75 people with the same last name have now registered. Supply and children are also very welcome. Sombroek, unfortunately no namesake, has a lot of it in any case: “It will just be a fun family party.”