Chinatown in Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Wijkpark
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Neighborhood Park - de Reus van Rotterdam
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the Giant of Rotterdam
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 21, 2024
1. Wijkpark / Neighborhood Park - de Reus van Rotterdam / the Giant of Rotterdam Marker
In het park staat het beeld van Rigardus Rijnhout (Rotterdam, 21 april 1922 - Leiden, 13 april 1959). Hij stond door zijn lengte van 2 meter en 37 centimeter bekend als de Reus van Rotterdam. Hij was de langste man in Nederland aller tijden. Hij woog 230 kilo en had schoenmaat 62. Zijn buitengewone lengte werd veroorzaakt door een groeistoornis. Rijnhout overleed op 36-jarige leeftijd aan de hypofysetumor die de oorzaak was van zijn groeistoornis. Vier jaar daarvoor was hij door een ongeluk met zijn fiets invalide geraakt. Hij verdiende geld door zichzelf als wandelend reclamebord te verhuren. Toen Rijnhouts gezondheid achteruit ging en hij opgenomen moest worden in het Academisch Ziekenhuis Leiden werd een hijskraan ingezet om hem vanaf de tweede etage naar beneden te takelen. Zijn vader sprak bij het graf van zijn zoon de volgende woorden: Spot en hoon waren vaak je deel, maar je haatte de mensen daarom niet, want
this page online
De stichting 'De Reus van Rotterdam' heeft er voor gezorgd dat er in 2011, naar een ontwerp van beeldhouwer Herman Lamers, een standbeeld op ware grootte van hem werd gemaakt.
The Neighborhood Park Oude Westen is located on the site of the former Roman Catholic retirement home Simeon and Anna. Originally built in 1902 as an orphanage and almshouse, it was demolished in 1976.
The park contains a statue of Rigardus Rijnhout (Rotterdam, April 21, 1922 - Leiden, April 13, 1959). Due to his height of 2 meters and 37 centimeters (~7 feet, 8 inches), he was known as the Giant of Rotterdam. He was the tallest man in the Netherlands of all time. He weighed 230 kilos (~500 lbs.) and had a shoe size 62 (US size ~29). His extraordinary height was caused by a growth disorder. Rijnhout died at the age of 36 from the pituitary tumor that was the cause of his growth disorder. Four years earlier he had become disabled in a bicycle accident. He made money by hiring himself out as a walking billboard. When Rijnhout's health deteriorated and he had to be admitted to the Leiden University Hospital, a crane was used to hoist him down from the second floor. His father spoke the following words at his son's grave: "Mockery and scorn were often your portion, but you did not hate
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 21, 2024
2. Looking into the park (marker on right)
The 'Giant of Rotterdam' foundation ensured that a full-size statue of him was made in 2011, based on a design by sculptor Herman Lamers.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1922.
Location. 51° 55.233′ N, 4° 28.211′ E. Marker is in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland (South Holland). It is in Chinatown. It is on West-Kruiskade, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: West-Kruiskade 16, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland 3014 PN, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gouvernestraat (within shouting distance of this marker); Batavierenstraat (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Diergaardesingel (about 150 meters away); Anna Paulownastraat (Anna Pavlovna) (about 150 meters away); Josephstraat (about 180 meters away); Drievriendenstraat / Three Friends Street (about 210 meters away); Coolsestraat (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Van Speijkstraat - Jan van Speyk (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rotterdam.
Also see . . .
1. Rigardus Rijnhout (Wikipedia, in Dutch).
Overview (in translation): Rigardus Rijnhout (Rotterdam,(Submitted on March 23, 2024.)April 21, 1922 - Leiden, April 13, 1959) was known as the Giant of Rotterdam due to his height of 2.38 meters.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 21, 20243. Life size statue of Rigardus Rijnhout (the Giant of Rotterdam)
He is the second tallest man of all time in the Netherlands. Rijnhout weighed 230 kilograms and had shoe size 62. His extraordinary height was caused by a growth disorder.
2. In Loving Memory of Rigardus Rijnhout - De Reus van Rotterdam (YouTube, 5:14). A wordless tribute, consisting of stills and short video clips, set to music (Submitted on March 23, 2024.)
M.A.J. Hanse, courtesy of Stadsarchief Rotterdam (via Wikimedia Commons), circa 1956
4. Portrait of Rigardus Rijnhout
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 23, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
