Edam to Volendam’s Final Tow Barge Journey: 1931 in Lush Color!

This enchanting colorized footage unveils the serene, final journey of a horse-drawn tow barge from Edam to Volendam, North Holland, Netherlands, in 1931—nearly a century ago—offering a vibrant glimpse into a fading mode of transport as a silent documentary. Filmed in vivid hues to commemorate its last trip, the film captures the calming atmosphere aboard this historic vessel, pulled by horses along hardened tow paths, carrying freight and passengers on the canal connecting the two towns. With populations of about 5,000 in Edam and 6,000 in Volendam in 1931, the footage showcases the picturesque canals, quaint villages, and traditional Dutch windmills, with passengers in period attire enjoying the scenic route, reflecting the tow barge’s peak use from the 17th to early 19th centuries—once a forerunner of modern public transport, used by figures like William of Orange in 1577—before declining with hardened roads, diligence coaches, railroads, and steamships in the 19th century. A poignant window into pre-war Dutch maritime history, this restored archive grips history buffs, transportation enthusiasts, and Dutch heritage lovers, offering a vivid glimpse of a bygone era frozen in time.