The New Student's Reference Work/Haarlem

Haarlem (här′lem), the chief city of the province of North Holland, in the Netherlands, is ancient and interesting in many ways. It is intersected by an extensive system of canals, which bring the shipping through the streets of the city. The houses are built in the typical Dutch style, having gable ends and old-fashioned crow steps. Objects of interest are the old market, built in the 16th century, and the cathedral of St. Bavo, one of the most famous churches in the Netherlands. It was built in 1538, is 426 feet in length, and has a tower 253 feet in height. Haarlem is the seat of several noted scientific, theological and benevolent institutions. In the 15th century the city was famous for its cloth-weaving and brewing, containing in 1594 no less than 120 breweries. Later the weaving of silk, lace and damask was introduced by the French, and gave employment to 10,000 of the population. At the close of the 18th century these industries had greatly declined, and the population was reduced. Early in the 19th century Haarlem began to turn its attention to new lines of manufacture, and has greatly prospered. Population 70,299.