The old dairy

This building, which today houses municipal services, does not suggest that this was originally a dairy. It would date from before the First World War and the company would have ceased its activities not so long after the Second World War. Apparently the milk was collected from the farmers by horse and cart by the dairy itself. Finished products, mainly butter, could be transported to the cities of Leuven, Diest, Aarschot and Tienen via the tram track that was built at the end of the 19th century and ran close to the dairy.

Interestingly, at the end of the 19th century, the Tielt-Winge region did not opt for a serious 'reconversion' to horticulture as was the case due to the agricultural crisis of the 19th century in other villages of the Hageland. The village remains very traditional with cattle breeding and – perhaps due to the presence of a dairy factory – will focus extra on this.

The building looks villa-like. Only the unloading quays and the remains of a cast iron awning are still witnesses of an activity of loading and unloading.

Not only the dairy benefited from the nearby tram stop. Cafés also found a place here to quench the thirsty waiting or arriving 'travellers'.

Jan Rymenams