Voorlem Station is a major transportation artery in the entire Streamlined Region, servicing traffic from Rotterdam and the rest of the European Transport Network, as well as local services in the Streamlined Region. It is about time that we go over some history.
Beginnings
In 1858, the Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg decided to construct a railway line from Kestern to Dokmuiden, via Peperga, in order to rival the canals along the river. In 1859, the Rivieroevers Spoorwegmaatschappij (name to be changed) constructed a line from Zand to Westdijk, and established ferry services between Dokmuiden and a pier at Westdijk.
In 1859, the Hollandsch IJzeren Spoorweg Maatschappij constructed a new line from Hazeldrecht to Voorlem via Kestern. It is here, where the new railway constructed a bridge across the central river, and established a new station terminus in Voorlem. The new station had two platforms, and stood on a crudely made embankment above the city. It was serviced by the Hollandsch IJzeren Spoorweg Maatschappij, until in 1860 the Rivieroevers Spoorwegmaatschappij constructed a new line from Rossum to Voorlem via Voolersburg, and interchanged with the Hollandsch IJzeren Spoorweg Maatschappij. The station immediately grew from a terminus to a interchange station, and was expanded to include 3 platforms.
When the Hollandsch IJzeren Spoorweg Maatschappij bought the Rivieroevers Spoorwegmaatschappij and merged it with it's network, it decided that in 1862, it should begin construction on a bridge across the main river. This initial bridge was a crudely made bridge, similar to that of the Tay Bridge. Trains immediately went into Dokmuiden, and connected with the Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg, where tracks of the Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg were expanded to Seest, and Thuredcht. However, the station at Voorlem would yet have to accomodate another railway.
The Early Age
In 1863, the Hollandse Ijzeren Spoorweg Maatschappi merged the private Rivieroevers Spoorwegmaatschappij and the Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg to connect it with the growing network of the HSM outside of the Streamlined Region. In 1864, the government decided to construct a new line of the Staatsspoorwegen, and connect the Streamlined Region, with the new rail network between Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The Hollandse Ijzeren Spoorweg Maatschappi responded by double-tracking their current line (in conncetion to their line), but also expand Voorlem's main station.
The new railway line of the StaatsSpoorwegen would be on a new bridge from Voorlem through Beurs, Seest, and eventually to connect to the rest of the rail network. In 1868, when the new line was opened (after some delays), the old Voorlem station was demolished, and replaced with a two platform with four tracks. This new station looked a lot like the station at Hoogburg, but much bigger. This new station, would serve as the main central station until the 1880s. However, I cannot mention this station without listing the history of the stations without mentioning the history of the original stations that I failed to mention. So here it is:
- Voorlem City Limits - Holland Kust Lokale Spoorweg (1852 - 1861) - The first Voorlem Station, not mentioned due to it not being within the city itself. Station closed when merged with Hollandse Ijzeren Spoorweg Maatschappi constructed central station.
- Voorlem Oost [ORIGINAL] - Nederlandsche Centraal-Spoorweg (1858 - 1884) - Closed when Voorlem Oost was rebuilt. New format closed in 1908 for another rebuild.
- South Voolersburg/Voorlem - Rivieroevers Spoorwegmaatschappij (1860 - 1862) - Closed for Voorlem central station.
- Wezinge/Voorlem West [ORIGINAL] - Hollandse Ijzeren Spoorweg Maatschappi (1859 - 1863) - Closed for Voorlem central station.
Advances
In 1883, Voorlem station was out-growing it's size. Being a mere two platform station, and having no way of expanding out, the station was deemed for a rebuild. In accordance with the city, it was decided that both the Hollandse Ijzeren Spoorweg Maatschappi and the Staatsspoorwegen would rebuild the station to accomodate even more traffic.
In 1884, with funds from both the HHSM, Government, and the city of Voorlem, a new station began construction with a groundbreaking ceremony in March. Working to accomodate future expansions too, like the double-tracking of the Voorlem Oost line. The new station, which now had three main platforms, with a fourth one taking an in-coming track for reversing trains. The new station had six tracks, with four tracks for platform usage, and two for mainline usage. There was also an extra two tracks for reversing trains, coming in from wherever.
Along with this, the reconstruction of the main station building now split it from one small central building, to two side-buildings, connected by an underground concourse. In 1956, the concourse would be walled up and replaced with two tunnels with stairs. The new station also contained a new underground retail concourse, similar to that of Grand Central Station in New York, had it been built with a neo-classical and Victorian style.
A store, famous to locals, would open... known as Synchrous Sosigs, famously misspelled in a failed written translation. One might recognize the name Synchorus, for being the name of Lord Mayor Synchrous of Lesfield. Indeed, his family has come a long way. The station took two years to build, due to some various labor strikes (see Autumn Strike of 1885), but on a chilly November 17th, 1886, many officials and people gathered around the current Monarch, who ceremoniously cut the ribbon with a golden pair of scissors.
And just like that, the station was open, and a new age ushered in.
New Beginnings
The new station opened to much fanfare, and was now accommodating to service the two main railways. Situated in the now center of town, the city of Voorlem rapidly grew as both railroads advertised services to the region. This would be the start of Voorlem's prestigious shopping district around the railway, and the famous Department Stores.
Services were slightly impeded due to ice on the tracks, which caused a minor-derailment; nothing major. The new station however, drawed traffic away from lesser suburban stations. What followed was a rapid closing of a lot of stations, such as Wezinge/Voorlem West, South Voolersburg, and Voorlem City Limits. These stations were already declining, so both the Hollandse Ijzeren Spoorweg Maatschappi and the Staatsspoorwegen decided to abandon them. Improvements were added to the station in 1889, such as the construction of a small shelter for horse-cars.
The new area would take the horse-cars off of the main avenue in front of the station, and reduce local traffic. The most notable of which, was the addition of a turntable and sheds, for engines at Voorlem to rest. This meant the destruction of the first original freight house, which was replaced by the second which now sits along the yard. However, one might notice, that the first few years of the Station didn't include the iconic glass building that encased the platforms. This would be added in 1890, for scenic purposes when Voorlem held a country-wide fair.
The new glass roof covered the platforms, and protected passengers from the rain and snow. However, there were reports of heat complaints in the summer, which was responded by the destruction of one of the exterior glass roofs. This let more air into the station, thus reducing complaints. The station would remain in operation into the new decade...
A New Era
At the turn of the century, the station was operating at a high capacity. The planners of the station designed it well, and anticipated the future rise in traffic, and thus the platforms were accommodating. In the 1910s, Voorlem oversaw the flood of refugees from war-stricken country, as well as a major train derailment due to a signal-man sleeping on the job.
In 1918, the concourse of the station was temporarily shut down due to the Influenza, for usage as a temporary hospital center. "Hospital Center" was a loose term, for most people who went in didn't come out. In this time, the station was virtually boarded off aside from the entrance stairwells to the platforms. When the Influenza was over, and the station concourse reopened, services resumed to an surprising all-time high.
In 1924, over three million trains would pass through Voorlem Station, breaking the record. However, the advent of the automobile would prove to be a downfall... Due to the success of Voorlem Station, the roads in-town were improved from either dirt and cobblestone roads, to concrete streets that everyone could enjoy. One of the biggest improvements to the road system, was the Rotterdam Coast Highway, which connected Rotterdam and Amsterdam, via Voorlem.
The new road, was revolutionary. With four lanes of paved (with road markings). The new road, rivalled the railways as now the cities could be efficiently connected, without the usage of rail at extra expense.
However, in the 1930s, the Great Depression of America had hit the world - with the Netherlands being hit particularly bad. Already having to endure a slowing economy, in 1929 to 1931 the Netherlands began to show signs of plunging into economic crisis. There was quite an amount of difference between the 1920s and 1930s for Voorlem Station, for now it's platforms were falling into decay, and the brickwork deteriorating by 1938. However, this would not be the only major event it would have to endure...
War
In 1939, war loomed over the Netherlands. Already wanting to seek neutrality, the nation was under-prepared and under-maintained. Voorlem Station reflected this, for it's once clean platforms were now cracking, and brickwork collapsing. When war was declared in September, the patrons of the station hung their head solemnly.
On May 10th, without a declaration of war, the Axis invaded the Netherlands. With parachute brigades launching to Rotterdam, Hague, Amsterdam, etc, Voorlem was not spared. The army fort there, which dated to the 1700s, fought brutally against the invaders. As places like Dokmuiden, Helmelo, and Kestern quickly fell, Voorlem held out with a spirit of resentment.
On May 12th, following such resistance, the Axis bombed key parts of Voorlem and Dokmuiden; such as the port, and unfortunately the station. The original railroad bridge (built in the 1800s) was blown to smithereens, and portions of Voorlem levelled. Sections of the station were damaged, such as the glass roof which hung over the platforms. The station building itself was miraculously unscathed, aside from a couple holes, whereas the Concourse had partially collapse due to the bombs.
A total of 500 civilians were injured or killed in the Bombing. Yet, the army still held out in staggers. On May 14th, the Netherlands surrendered to the Axis, and the fighting within Voorlem ceased. When the damage was accessed, it was found that somehow, the station was still relatively structurally safe, aside from the roof.
The station was quickly patched, with the old glass roof being replaced with a temporary more ramshackle glass one. The concourse that was collapsed was merely temporarily repaired, with certain bad sections being blocked off with wooden sections. When the station reopened, it became home to trains carrying soldiers and equiptment into the city, for the Axis. Under new ownership, the city would surely collapse.
Hardship
Under the Axis Regime, Voorlem and it's wonderful station suffered. The basic maintenance was kept at a bare minimum, as Floris "Klok" Getis-Vanderbegan described it in his book, Hardship | Life of The Dutch In The 1940s:
"When I entered Voorlem in a train... the station was a sight. Weeds were growing all over the pavement, and there were piles of fallen brickwork along the platforms. We had stopped because our train was delayed by a prioritized war freight... When I entered the concourse the gleaming arches that I had once heared of, were covered in years of smoke and ash from cigars. When I left the station, I could see windows were broken up or shattered, and there was scaffolding all around, as [unpaid] volunteers worked to restore the facade."
The station would carry on like this, until 1943 when the infamous Day of Bloodshed came. Thousands of Resistance Fighters from the countryside in the largest defiance to the Axis ever in the country. When the first bombs and gunfire from them rang out through the city... the station stood silently.
Over the process of weeks, the station oversaw the Axis being pushed back from the city, even to the point that the entire city was taken by the Resistance. The station's entrances were damaged, when both the Voorlem-Dokmuiden Bridge, and the berm entrances were obliterated with large explosives. When the axis artillery came in, and the planes arrived, destruction reigned.
The outer city was practically levelled as the axis shelled the city, to reduce the foothold of the Uprising. With help from the Free French (due to relations), the station oversaw food and supplies being dropped in, in numerous daring raids. Voorlem Station was then, obliterated. Axis Bombs tore through it's roof and freight yards, with the entire glass structure collapsing. The concourse barely held up, but the station still persevered.
Liberation
Much of the outer city was lost, as was the Station's charm. In this time, the Axis brought in troops and fought building by building to attempt to get through the city. Yet, with the Allied Forces advancing into the Netherlands in 1944, and the Resistance still holding out, the Axis had to dig in. The station in this time acted as the headquarters for the resistance, as well as a refugee center. It's concourse was a joint storage and hospital for war refugees, whos homes had been obliterated by the Axis.
Bombs rained down upon the station as the Axis realized the revelation that the resistance was staying within the walls; causing them to intentionally shell the place. Although the station building itself was somehow unharmed, it's platforms including its famous twin Grand Stairwells, were destroyed. Much of the inner-station was destroyed, with the concourse and lower levels becoming increasingly unstable. In 1944, the Allies pushed into the Southern Netherlands.
In August, the Allies landed on the beaches of Rossum and all along the bay. It was deemed it would be impossible for them to take the area... but as luck would have it, the Allies fought brutally and took the coast and dug in around Voorlem. In early Janurary of 1945, the Allies had pushed the Axis (with help of the Resistance), and met up in the underground office of the Station. With their help, in Feburary of 1945 they liberated the city of Voorlem, and across the river, the city of Dokmuiden.
In May, the Axis surrendered... releasing the Netherlands from the grip of a dying beast.
When the mists of war cleared, the station was found to be entirely structurally unsafe. The roof of the station building was collapsed, and in some sections the building had fallen to the streets. The solarium waiting rooms were shattered, and the grand stairwell unrecognizable underneath the collapse of the roof. It would take a lot of money, but reconstruction would begin.
Reconstruction
Following the war, the city lacked the funding to repair the rail station... however rails and the freight yard were immediately reconstructed. Freight service resumed to the station almost immediately, with there being a fund raised for the reconstruction of the rest of the station. Eventually however, in late 1945, scaffolding was put up and the station rebuilt.
The first being rebuilt, was the platforms—having needed to be entirely redone. The station building itself, had to wait for the valuable bricks needed for reconstructing the outer city of Voorlem needed to go to other homes first, but eventually the station received the valuable shipments. From December 1945 all the way to March of 1947, the station was constantly under maintenance. Key decisions were made, such as the elimination of reconstructing the Grand Staircase, the installation of a temporary glass roof for when funds could be acquired to recreate the original, and most of all, giving up on reconstructing the concourse's elaborate artwork and statues.
When the station reopened in 1947, there was no fanfare. The scaffolding was quietly taken down, and passenger services to the station finally resumed to normal. The station was initially used greatly in this period, as roads had still been being improved in some places, and gas slowly coming back, but by 1949, the station managers had noticed that usage had been slowly declining.
The Nederlandse Spoorwegen began to slowly cut service, making it more cost-efficient for the railway. The station reconstruction however, had focused less on artistic detail, and more on temporary reconstruction. This reflected greatly, when in 1951 the signs of ageing had already begun to appear again. The 80 year old station was showing signs of it's age, and the reconstruction had not done much to slow this. The City of Voorlem decided that something needed to be done.
Unsteadiness
In 1951, the City of Voorlem raised up funds to restore the station cosmetically. Some extra donations from wealthy patrons also aided in the development of interior restoration.
This is unique, for usually around this time the building would have been demolished in favor of a newer station... however, the City of Voorlem recognized the station as a historical landmark. Falling brick-work was repaired, interiors for the main building was restored to appearance, and most important of all—the temporary glass structure was torn down and replaced with a newer recreation of the original Victorian structure. Furthermore, the tracks were re-alligned to original configuration, with the addition of an extra platform.
This would prove to be a mistake, as while the rest of the station was lovely, the concourse was riddled with dust, cracks, and even rubble in some places. Tracks were redone to make it easier for access from Voolersburg, Wezinge, Beurs, and Dokmuiden. Initial plans included restoration for the Concourse, however it was deemed too expensive, and instead put in more bracing for the Concourse. In 1952, the restoration would be finished and would be re-opened with much fanfare and celebration.
Even though services slowly declined on the line, Voorlem was lucky for it was situated on the main line, and serviced almost all the trains coming into the region. However... in 1956 the City Council made a very controversial decision. The Concourse would be too costly to restore, and due to increasing costs in managing the station, it would be bricked up and sealed off to the public.
There was immediately public outcry, though the council merely could shake their head. In April, citizens solemnly watched as the last person walked through the Concourse. Bricklayers later arrived, as electricity was shut down to the area... and laid bricks through the arches. The stairs to the Solarium were replaced with locked doors.
Conclusion
Currently, Voorlem station is going through a bit of decline. Railway traffic has been used less and less due to the advent of the automobile, and personal usage. Even the freight industry has been hurt.
Voorlem Station is still relatively maintained, although it could use a trim here and there. As you walk through the station, note it's elaborate history... pass through the underground corridors which once led to a grand waiting room.
Pass above the locked doors inside of the Solarium waiting-rooms, and look up at the switch-men doing their work. Breathe in the ash and smoke of the trains, as people did when the station first opened. It has come a long way from a mere two story shack. As more services are cut to the station, one might wonder if it will survive. We do not know but we have this advice:
Enjoy it while it lasts, for it's future is uncertain.