History of the region At the turn of the century, the north of Limburg was a predominantly agricultural region. Most farms were smaller than 7 acres. The not very fertile, sandy soil was mainly utilized for crops and cattle. As there was hardly any mechanization in those days, most of the labour had to be done manually. Farms were real family-businesses in which husband, wife, children and grandparents worked side by side. Not until the second half of the 20th century did the agricultural industry in this region make rapid headway, a.o. because of the introduction of machinery and fertilizers. The Farmstead Farmstead "De Locht" was built in 1859. Extensions have been added in the following decades until it gots its present 120-yard-long façade. The predecessor of he farm was already mentioned as "De Locht" in 1423. The museum that is now housed in this farm depicts farm-life as it used to be in these parts. The farmstead has been restored to its original state as closely as possible. The cosy, old-fashioned kitchen, the "best" room with its cupboard-bed, the mezzanine room and the cellar give the place a timeless atmosphere. In the stable and barns, agricultural implements and tools are exhibited. They give an impression of how the land was tilled and show that the farm was self-supporting. Several old crafts are also shown. At the back of the farmhouse a small bakery can be found, in which bread is regularly baked in the traditional way. You will also find a poultry-house and a smithy. The farm is surrouded by an old-fashioned flower-, kitchen- and herbs-garden. The National Asparagus- and Mushroom Museum The museum is housed in an old barn that was originally built elsewhere and rebuilt here in the traditional way. It shows the old and modern methods of cultivating these products. Historical, biological, economic and culinary aspects are also dealt with. The exhibition is elaborately illustrated by texts and videos. In the museum you will find an auction-clock which can be operated from the auction-benches. The north of Limburg is Holland's most important region for the production of both asparagus and mushrooms. The sandy soil is very suitable for asparagus. This vegetable -already popular in antiquity- is harvested in the months of May and June. The asparagus museum shows a.o. how the vegetable is grown and various special tools and implements used in the production and harvesting. Crop improvement is also dealt with. The production of mushrooms was started by the co-operation between pioneers in the field of improvement-research and the first mushroom-cultivators. Mushrooms can be harvested throughout the year. The museum shows how compost is made and shows the production of mushrooms in caves and modern cells, as well as the tinning process. General information
Hours of opening: november - december - january - february
- march: Open on public holidays except
december 25th and January 1st.
Entrance fee:
Adults
€ 6,00 Children under 4 years free
Horst-Melderslo is situated in the north
of Limburg, between the moors of "De Peel" and the river Maas. It is within
easy reach of Venlo and Venray.
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