Authentic family home

At number 35 Emmastraat stands a charming house dating from around 1890. It is recognisable by the transom window featuring the tree of life – a popular motif at the time. The property was later renovated and extended, but retains its characteristic appearance. 

Its most famous resident was Laurentius van de Heuvel, better known as Louwke Plek, who ran a sweet shop here from 1936 onwards. It was one of those old-fashioned neighbourhood shops where children would come to find a little bit of happiness for a penny. Colourful stories grew up around the house, such as the secret relationship between Louwke and Lien van de Kwarten. Their meeting place, the former Meulenpèèike [mill path], was soon renamed by the neighbourhood as the Kwartelpèèike – a name that has stuck to this day. In the first garden on the right, a pair of quails still scurry about, a playful tribute to that history.

Thus, Emmastraat 35 is a fine example of how a modest family home can become a place full of memories, stories and neighbourhood traditions.