Kermiswens van de Amsterdamse torenwachters, 1816 1815 - 1816

"Kermiswens van de Amsterdamse torenwachters," or "Kermis Greetings from the Amsterdam Tower Watchmen," was made in 1816, printed by the heirs of widow Cornelis Stichter. These printed verses given by tower watchmen to the inhabitants of Amsterdam during the annual kermis, or fair, offer a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. In the 19th century, tower watchmen occupied a unique position in society. They were municipal employees, but also served as messengers, fire lookouts, and even social commentators. Their annual kermis greetings provided a chance to express solidarity with the community while also subtly reminding residents of their vital role. These greetings reveal a complex interplay of class and identity. They speak to the shared experiences of urban life. The watchmen, as public servants, walked a line between authority and servitude, a dynamic reflected in the tone of their verses. The verses offer a window into the emotional landscape of the time, reflecting the aspirations, anxieties, and communal bonds that shaped daily life. The "Kermis Greetings" offer a personal connection to the past.