Memories of the Fröhner mill: Nature takes possession in the valley!

Memories of the Fröhner mill: Nature takes possession in the valley!

In the picturesque environment between Reinsdorf and Beerwalde, an important chapter in regional history has been newly highlighted. Where the Fröhner mill once stood, nature is now in the process of getting the area back. Waldheim photographer Heinz Thieme captured the remains of the mill, which was closed in the 1960s, in impressive pictures. In addition to the remains of the wall and a weathered millstone, the pond, which once housed many fish, including eels, has been preserved.

The mill was long operated by Elsa and Otto Liebers, who were the last owner from 1936 to early 1960s. Memories of this time become alive through the nieces of the mill owners who brought with them how much they loved this mill. "I visited the mill with my parents almost every weekend," says Brigitta Engel, while Carmen Wittig, also a niece, lively remembers how her father fished living eels from the pond.

a sign of memory

These nostalgic stories found their place as part of the inauguration of an information board, which is reminiscent of the former Fröhner mill. Together organized by several clubs, including the Waldheimer beautification association and the Saxon Mühlenverein, the Tafel not only offers historical facts, but also a QR code that provides access to further information. Wolfgang Vogel, the chairman of the beautification association, says: "I am pleased that we succeeded in doing the project together."

At the inauguration, numerous former residents were present, which shared many personal memories of the mill. Helmut Möbius report on his experiences when he drove to the mill with his father to bring grain to the mill. He lively remembers how flour was used for baking bread and shot for animal feeding. The large transitions over the stream that surrounded the mill at the time are no longer existent.

the mill in the change in time

After the mill was closed in 1972, when the Liebers died in the previous year, the site was sold to SDAG Wismuth, which later set up a tourism base there. "The children who were in Höfchen experienced nature up close there," says Marion Möbius, who visited the area as a teacher with her class. Even if the conditions were spartan, it was a real adventure for the children that they never forget.

The opening of the information board not only brings past memories back, but is also intended to strengthen the municipality in its connection to the mill. This type of return to your own history promotes the sense of community and the knowledge of regional traditions.

The board is an impressive expression of the collective memory that still connects the community with the Fröhner mill. For those who want to learn more about the history of the mill, there is the opportunity to scan the QR code to immerse yourself in deeper research. The exchange of childhood memories will continue to take place, since former companions share the reconstruction of the memories.

The inauguration of the plaque is not only an indication of the rich history of the Fröhner mill, but also a significant step towards maintaining local identity in Waldheim.