Hof Van Wouw

According to the terms and conditions for taking up  a tenancy in the Almshouse applicants must be female and be over the age of 50. They are not allowed to have pets. There must be a married couple who manage the daily affairs of the Almshouse and keep the gardens in order. The Manager’s wife, known as the `Housemother’ supports the residents if they become ill.

When one of the houses becomes vacant the Board of Trustees seeks a new tenant.  Each applicant is interviewed several times and the terms of the tenancy explained.

The Almshouse Cornelia Van Wouw has several special traditions. The flat with the coat of alms of Cornelia is flown on the birthday of the resident if requested. On New Year’s Eve a special celebration takes place when the staff and residents receive Christmas gifts in the hall of the “Garden of Hesperides” situated  behind the Almshouse. There is a meal each year in memory of Cornelia Van Wouw who was the founder of the Almshouse which was previously held on her birthday in January but is now usually celebrated with a barbecue in the summer.

The menu of the celebration meal is interesting as ordered by Cornelia for the enjoyment of the residents  as follows:

In the early days of the Almshouse tenants who died were carried out through the back gate, known as the `Applegate’ since it was also used as an apple store.