Tolbert, Netherlands

Tolbert is located in the Vredewold region. The area was settled during the 10th and 11th century.[3] It was first mentioned in 1479 as Oldebert. The name is a contraction of het (the definite article) ol(de) (old) and bert (village), and literally means "the old village".[4] The church is from the 17th century, but contains 13th century parts.[5] The parish dates from the 14th century. In 1794, Tolbert bought a seat in the States of Groningen from Aduard,[6] and in 1795 was the seat of a municipality with Midwolde, Lettelbert and Oostwold. In 1795, it was home to 476 people.[7] By 1817, it was part of the municipality of Leek.[8]

Tolbert was mainly an agricultural community, however the industrialisation of nearby Leek attracted people to the village.[3] In 1907, there was a malaria outbreak in Tolbert.[9] After World War II, Tolbert and Leek became a single urban area, however it remained a separate entity. In 2019, it became part of the municipality of Westerkwartier.[3]

In 1950, a street circuit for motorcycle racing was set-up in the village. In 1956, it was considered too dangerous and was no longer permitted. In 1970, permission was granted outside the build-up area.[3] In 1984, Jack Middelburg was killed during a race.[10] In 2008, the races ended, because the organisation could not finance the required safety investments.[11]

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  Church
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  Pub "De Akker"
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  Village centre (1975)
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  View along the main canal