Velsen – M.A. Jacobson + G. Eikelenboom, 1933

VELSEN IN 1933: A MODERN RESIDENTIAL, HARBOUR AND INDUSTRIAL MUNICIPALITY

“Plattegrond der gemeente Velsen, bevattende IJmuiden, Velsen en Santpoort” [Map of the Municipality of Velsen, including IJmuiden, Velsen and Santpoort]. Colour lithograph made by M.A. Jacobson in Haarlem and published in 1933 by G. Eikelenboom in collaboration with the municipal authorities of Velsen. Size (paper): 59.3 × 82.8 cm.

This large, clearly designed municipal map shows Velsen at a time of far-reaching growth. Its coverage extends from the North Sea, the piers and the extensive harbour and lock complex at IJmuiden to Velsen, Driehuis and Santpoort, with Beverwijk, Wijk aan Zee en Duin, Bloemendaal and Haarlem at its edges. IJmuiden appears as a densely built-up harbour town; north of the North Sea Canal lie Velsen, the paper mill, the Hoogovens steelworks and the P.E.N. power station. South of the canal, Driehuis and Santpoort appear as distinct residential settlements amid dunes, woods, country estates and open land.

The map records not only the existing municipality, shown in orange, but also its expected future, shown in pink: IJmuiden, Velsen and Santpoort were intended to expand further.

The sheet captures a decisive moment in the history of the IJmond region. The Noordersluis, visible within the lock complex at IJmuiden, was completed in 1930. Shortly afterwards, the P.E.N. power station was built near the Hoogovens works in 1931. The map thus records the new infrastructure that connected access to Amsterdam, harbour activity and industrial development around Hoogovens. Construction of Hoogovens itself had begun in 1920, and its first blast furnace came into operation in 1924.

Velsen had by then acquired two markedly different identities. IJmuiden formed the municipality’s maritime and industrial centre, while Driehuis and Santpoort retained the character of green residential settlements, with villas, country estates, new housing districts and a direct rail connection to Haarlem.

The reverse of the map promoted this modern residential, harbour and industrial municipality. It is entirely filled with advertisements for local hotels, contractors, estate agents, banks, motor businesses, laundries, shops and public utilities. A large municipal advertisement explicitly invites readers to “Settle in Velsen”, promising healthy living conditions, good educational facilities and building land for housing and industrial purposes.

Price: Euro 175,-