BEGININGS 1890-1896

"BEGININGS 1890-1896"

The exhibit illustrates the background of the establishment of the settlement, as well as life in the earliest days of Hadera.

Room I : 1890-1891

An illuminated map of Hadera of 1890, shows the large tract of land that was purchased by four Zionist societies, in order to found a Moshava (a village) . It shows the malaria-infested large swamps, and the building of the K'han. A narrow unpaved road connected Hadera to the village of Zichron Ya'akov, on the Carmel mountain where the settlers could obtain medical attention, supplies and food. The map marks the well ("the pit"), which was the polluted source of drinking water. Water had to be filtered before it could be used for drinking. A water filtering apparatus used in those days in one of Hadera's kitchens is displayed in this room.

Y. Hankin by the Hadera River

Photographs of the "Lovers of Zion" pioneers and of Yehoshua Hankin, the famous "land redeemer" who mediated the Hadera land-purchase transaction, are displayed on the walls.

A copy of the contract Hankin signed with the settlers, including promises which he was unable to keep, is displays as well. Because of his failure to get the house construction permits, the founders of Hadera were compelled to spend six bitter years in the K'han, until they were able to build their private homes. By then, the settlement was on the verge of extinction.