On vacation to the beach at 'Egmond aan Zee', 1947

During the dark occupation years between 1940 and 1945, large parts of the beautiful seaside resort of Egmond aan Zee were demolished due to the construction of the German Atlantic Wall. The population of the village was forced to live elsewhere. After the Liberation, the same population largely returned to the bare village. Despite grief and problems, the thread was picked up quickly and energetically. In the summer of 1947, much of the beach was cleared of landmines and barbed wire barriers and released for visitors. All available cottages were rented to holidaymakers and hotels and restaurants sprouted like mushrooms. The latter of course also in the context of reconstruction.
Many bathers in that year came from the region. For example, the Zomerdijk family from Alkmaar. From the well-known hardware store De Magneet aan de Houttil. They rented a house in Egmond aan Zee and had a wonderful time in 1947. They would happily return for many years to come. Father Zomerdijk made a nice video of a beach day. His sons are dragging a real rubber boat, his daughter is pulled by mother in a bollard wagon. In the background the Van Speijk lighthouse is still at war. "Holiday in your own country", something that is again obvious in 2020. Just come to Derp, it's really great!
Source: Regional Archive Alkmaar
Film collection Niek Zomerdijk
8mm, black and white, without sound