Route 29: The Secret Annexe Stadskanaal

The route starts at Monument 21 on Barkelazathe. The monument honours the Drenth family, who sheltered 16 people in hiding in their modest farm on the Krommewijk - known as the Stadskanaalster Achterhuis - during World War II. Thanks to their courageous help, all the people in hiding survived the war.

The farm of Willem and Hindertje Drenth and their daughters Lammie and Fennie stood across the roundabout at the start of this route.The monument was designed by artist collective WINKAL from Ter Apel (Bernard Winkel and Leo Kaldenbach) and was installed in 2020. The artwork consists of 21 curved steel plates, symbolising the 21 people who lived in the house during the liberation. It could be realised thanks to contributions from companies, funds, governments and individuals. More information: www.monument21.nl

Shortly after the start, the route runs through the Adamsbos and along part of the peat-colonial cycle path.

Next, the route passes part of the former liquid fields of potato starch factory "De Twee Provinciën" (point 10). This factory was established in 1914 on the site where part of the Waterland residential area is now located. In 1968, the factory merged with potato starch factory "De Toekomst" from Borgercompagnie to form T.T.P. (Toekomst/Twee Provinciën) and later became part of Avebe, until its closure in 1979.

The flow fields originally served to collect process water and allow the protein-rich sediment to settle. This prevented the water from ending up directly in the canals, where it foamed and stank. After the plant closed, the area was turned into a nature reserve. As there are few paths, it is difficult to access and has therefore grown into a rugged, partly boggy, nature reserve where many animals find their home. Both the Adams forest and the former fluid fields are popular spots for bird watchers. Rare bird species have been spotted here, such as the Poelruiter, Black Stork, Black Ibis and American Wigeon.

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This is a route of the Walking in Westerwolde Foundation, sponsored by Camperpark Noord, Vloeivelden 3, Stadskanaal and Pengels Outdoor & Leisure, Hoofdstraat 57, Stadskanaal.