The Transition to the Modern Era
1910 - 1924The natural water gave way to modern facilities, but the name was retained.
- The municipality of Vlagtwedde built a new, modern swimming pool (opened in 1966) adjacent to the pond, which was officially named "Moekesgat". The adjacent camping site opened simultaneously.
- Although the operation of the old 'Bad Fietje' stopped in 1972, the name lives on. **Moekesgat** is now the name of the modern campsite.
- The original pond of Moeke and Fietje is still used by many for ice skating during severe winters.
Growth and Flourishing: The Fietje Period
1935 - 1966Under Mr. Geert Fietje and his son, the complex grew into a large recreational resort.
- Expansion: The complex gained rowboats, canoes, pedal boats, a raft, and the famous 'poale' (pole).
- Swimming Lessons: Lifeguard Heini ter Veen gave the well-known swimming lessons with the 'fishing rod'.
- Facilities: Long rows of changing cabins, a shallow pool with rings, sandpits, and a roller slide.
- Even after WWII, the pond had a function, first as a storage area for German weaponry, and later for fishing by Polish soldiers.
The Visionary: Willem Moeke and the Name
1924 - 1935The real transformation began with the visionary outlook of Willem Moeke.
- In 1924, Willem Moeke bought the entire pond for the symbolic sum of 100 guilders. He saw potential in operating it as a swimming pool.
- After the construction of changing cabins, the bath quickly earned the name: 'Moeke's Gat'.
The Birth of a 'Hole'
1920 - 1924The basis for the current recreational area was created by industrial development.
- The Beginning: The terrain was owned by Messrs. Stoker and Beckmann.
- The pond itself is the result of large-scale excavations for the elevation of the nearby railway yard, resulting in a deep, seemingly 'worthless' water hole.