Listen | Horse Market
Before the 1950s, the horse was farmers' tractor. There were no agricultural machines yet, so farmers depended on these animals for ploughing, sowing, harvesting and transporting.
In these years, there was also a big trade in working horses. And especially in the market town of Purmerend, where there was even a separate horse market. It took place here, on this street, opposite the current ING, which then housed a school. It was therefore popularly called the horse market school.
After World War II, agricultural mechanisation began. Farmers needed fewer and fewer horses, so the horse market became smaller. The municipality therefore moved this market to the Koemarkt. And more major economic changes took place in Purmerend in the 20th century. The alderman for the economy will be happy to tell you more about it. To do so, click on video in the menu. After watching the video, continue the route by walking right up nieuwstraat and, after the little bridge, enter the path through the park.
