HILVERSUM

hilversum, a town in the province of north holland, 18 m. by rail s.e. of amsterdam. it is connected with amsterdam by a steam tramway, passing by way of the small fortified towns of naarden and muiden on the zuider zee. pop. (1900) 20,238. it is situated in the middle of the gooi, a stretch of hilly country extending from the zuider zee to about 5 m. south of hilversum, and composed of pine woods and sandy heaths. a convalescent home, the trompenberg, was established here in 1874, and there are a town hall, middle-class and technical schools, and various places of worship, including a synagogue. hilversum manufactures large quantities of floor-cloths and horse-blankets.