Voormalige hoofdpoort van Goedereede 1897

This photograph of Goedereede's former main gate, taken in 1897 by an anonymous photographer, shows the monument's brick construction, a material as humble as it is crucial to the town’s defense. The image captures not just the structure, but also the labor involved in its creation. Each brick, formed from clay and fired, represents a unit of work. The laying of these bricks, stone upon stone, signifies a collective effort and a connection to the local soil. The circular form of the tower, achieved through repetitive bricklaying, speaks of a skilled and patient hand. The attached stairs, similarly constructed, suggest accessibility and a practical purpose, in contrast to purely ornamental architecture. This image invites us to consider the social context of construction, where architecture is less about individual expression, and more about communal effort and the necessities of daily life. It blurs the line between craft and utility, celebrating the functional beauty inherent in simple, well-executed construction.