Where it all started: Halfweg ‘t Kalfje (1887-1960)

In order to see where Amstel Boathouse derived from, we have to look back into history for over a century. We will go back to around 1887, at ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje’.

1887

1887: First grant authorisation

In 1887, some time after constructing, ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje received its first liquor license. The tavern was the departure point of the ferry that, back then, navigated on the Amstel and formed the link between Ouderkerk and Amsterdam. Of course it was also possible to just go back and forth from one end of the Amstel riverbank to the other end.

Piet van der Weijde

After some time the tavern was maintained by the garage- en driving school owner Piet van der Weijde. He was getting tired of giving driving lessons en was seeking challenge in the exploitation of the tavern ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje’.

His cousin, Peter Koghee, was appointed to help reconstruct this building, which was, back then, mostly used as a party place for students. On the following page of Zuidelijke Wandelweg he explains what went through his head when he first saw ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje’.

1912

1910-1912

At ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje’ it was always about sailing, drinking tea and if that was not strong enough, some brandy. There were always exciting things happening around ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje’. For instance, they were a scene for the first flight (seven minutes) above Amsterdam. This flight was operated by Jan Olieslager, also known as ‘Antwerpse vliegduivel’ (Antwerps flying devil). In 1912 a fire broke out in the tavern. Eight years later a car was retrieved from the water just beside the premises.

1936

Origin of Amstelpark

H.P. Berlage took over numerous parks, with the design of his expansion plan for the South of Amsterdam. This included a vast area along the Amstel. The area around ‘Halfweg ‘t Kalfje’ also changed. Nine years after the start of the implementation of Plan-Zuid (Plan-South) an economic crisis took place (1929). Many people lost their jobs. As part of an unemployment relief project, the municipality allowed for this park to be built. In 1936 this park was opened for public use. In 1949 the park was named Amstelpark.

1960

Van Halfweg 't Kalfje (1887-1960) naar het De Mirandapaviljoen (2016)

Slowly the hangout spot changed into a restaurant and in 1960 it was given the name ‘De Miranda Paviljoen (Pavilion)’, named after alderman ‘De Miranda’ who in 1932 also opened the ‘De Mirandabad'(the Mirandapool). The famous ‘Paviljoen’ obviously continued to pamper their guests.

1971

The beginning of the Martin Luther King park

Halfway throughout the 50s the ‘Nieuwe Utrechsebrug’ (New Utrechtbridge) was built over the Amstel. It divided the park in half and construction began south of the bridge which caused the park to decrease a considerable amount. New greenness emerged in the area when 800 meters further the Floriade was built (end of the 60s until 1972). The former Amstel park received the name Martin Luther King, named after the in 1968 murdered American pastor Martin Luther King. The area of the Floriade changed to Amstelpark in 1971.

2016

Opening Amstel Boathouse

Amstel Boathouse is a fact! In the summer of 2016, the name was changed to Amstel Boathouse. The rich history is of course preserved, but the look and feel have a more modern taste.

2017

2017: From Miranda Paviljoen to Amstel Boathouse

In March 2017 the next milestone of the Amstel Boathouse was planned. After two months of intensive renovation, Amstel Boathouse is more beautiful than ever. Both the event center and the restaurant have been renovated on a large scale and we are very pleased with the return of the veranda. Just like before, but bigger and even more beautiful. This way you can enjoy the impressive and romantic view over the Amstel. In addition, the event center has been completely renewed with a sturdy and robust appearance, equipped with a glass ceiling and plenty of daylight.