This street belongs to the green part of the ring around the medieaval town. It is named after one of the first industrial entrepreneurs. Arnoldus Asselbergs (1811-1880) started a forge in 1841, together with his partner Janus van der Hoeven. Little by little this modest facility became an iron foundry, which employed many workers.
The street has two 'arms'. In between is a little public garden called Bevrijdingsplantsoen (Liberation Green). A statue by Nicolaas van der Kreek (1896-1967) reminds the passer-by of the Liberation of Bergen op Zoom by Canadian forces on October 27th 1944. It was established in 1955.
Nicolaas van der Kreek was born in Bergen op Zoom and died in Bussum. He was active in more artistic fields but made a name as a sculptor. As such he was a member of several societies a.o. 'Arti et Amicitiae' and 'De Onafhankelijken' (The Independant Ones) in Amsterdam. In 1923 he was awarded a silver medal in the Prix de Rome-contest.
The monument, dedicated to all the people who died in the war, was unveiled by Piet van Gils. He was the son of a resistance fighter who didn't live to enjoy the liberation.
A ceramic statuette above the door of number 37.
The decoration of number 6. The house is called 't Hoekje ('The little corner'), since it is situated on the spot where Arnoldus Asselbergsstraat and Williamstraat meet.
www.alberthagenaars.nl
