Historical
Historical
The Riedmühle zu Petterweil
Historical finds from our research on the Riedmühle
General in brief:
The Riedmühle was owned / leased by the heirs of the Solms-Rödelheim family for centuries.
Until the lifting of the mill ban (approx. 1845) it was one of the approx. 30 ban mills in the "Rentamt district Friedberg".
In 1854 the Riedmühle became completely privately owned. Around 1928 the mill activity had to be abandoned.
We, the current owners, acquired the Riedmühle and the surrounding properties in 2010.
The mill as such is no longer available.
Until the lifting of the mill ban (approx. 1845) it was one of the approx. 30 ban mills in the "Rentamt district Friedberg".
In 1854 the Riedmühle became completely privately owned. Around 1928 the mill activity had to be abandoned.
We, the current owners, acquired the Riedmühle and the surrounding properties in 2010.
The mill as such is no longer available.
Life and village history for over 500 years
Little by little we are discovering more and more history. We are becoming more and more aware that life has been continuous here on the Riedmühle for over 500 years. The Riedmühle is closely linked to both: the history of the mills in the 'Wetterau' and to the local history of the village. We have only started to research history.
Bannmühle: The village of Petterweil was 'banned' by the Riedmühle. A kind of territorial protection for the miller.
An important fact for the close connection of the Riedmühle with the village of Petterweil is the fact that the Riedmühle was defined as a ban mill for the village Petterweil for centuries. It is one of approx. 30 ban mills in the area of the 'Rentamt' district Friedberg. A list of the ban mills was dated May 7, 1832. Probably in advance of the lifting of the mill ban (ca 1845).
The requirements and conditions are regulated in the mill regulations, the origin of which is recorded in the 'Sachsenspiegel' (a legal book by Eike von Repgow, created between 1220 and 1235).
Farmers and citizens of the defined catchment area were banned for grinding at a specific mill = area protection. In the case of the Riedmühle it was the village of Petterweil, (The Neumühle further down to the village of Okarben). Part of the ban law also meant that, in return, the millers had to act honorably, for example, calculate correctly or prefer no one: hence the saying "First come first serve"
The requirements and conditions are regulated in the mill regulations, the origin of which is recorded in the 'Sachsenspiegel' (a legal book by Eike von Repgow, created between 1220 and 1235).
Farmers and citizens of the defined catchment area were banned for grinding at a specific mill = area protection. In the case of the Riedmühle it was the village of Petterweil, (The Neumühle further down to the village of Okarben). Part of the ban law also meant that, in return, the millers had to act honorably, for example, calculate correctly or prefer no one: hence the saying "First come first serve"
The Riedmühle is also mentioned as a mill in the 'Rentamt' district Friedberg in other listings. For example, in relation to "waterfall concession fees in the Friedberg Rentamt area" (1817-1836)
Historical documents:
Various statements about the Riedmühle can be found at various historical associations, historians and in historical publications. But it was always individual and limited statements and information from different perspectives.
A great treasure slumbered in the Hessian State Archives in Darmstadt:
Fortunately, the business documents for the Riedmühle were archived by Solms-Rödelheim. These 610 documents “The Use of the Riedmühle in Petterweil” are now part of the Solms Collection in the Hessian State Archives in Darmstadt. They are dated 1608-1854.
Digitized documents:
Out of personal interest in the history of our Riedmühle as well as our contribution to the local chronicle of Petterweil, we have commissioned the digital reproduction of these documents that are 'slumbering' in the State Archives at our own expense. In positive cooperation with those responsible for the State Archives, we were able to have the entire collection reproduced. In this way, this collection is also secured for the future. It is now also available as a complete collection in the digital inventory of the Hessian State Archives and is now available online for everyone. In the online database arcinsys the documents can be found under the keyword "Die Nutzung der Riedmühle zu Petterweil" Here is the link with the direct search query. The first document in this collection dates from 1608.
Digitized documents:
Out of personal interest in the history of our Riedmühle as well as our contribution to the local chronicle of Petterweil, we have commissioned the digital reproduction of these documents that are 'slumbering' in the State Archives at our own expense. In positive cooperation with those responsible for the State Archives, we were able to have the entire collection reproduced. In this way, this collection is also secured for the future. It is now also available as a complete collection in the digital inventory of the Hessian State Archives and is now available online for everyone. In the online database arcinsys the documents can be found under the keyword "Die Nutzung der Riedmühle zu Petterweil" Here is the link with the direct search query. The first document in this collection dates from 1608.
With digitization, there is now also the possibility of gradually transcribing them.
Hopefully we will discover some details in the near future.
Hopefully we will discover some details in the near future.
Our "discovery" so far:
The Riedmühle was a grinding mill (grain) (and not a "rattling mill")
The water ran from above onto the mill wheel
It had 1 grinding station (i.e. only 1 possibility to grind grain, probably between the two grinding stones)
It belonged to the holdings of Count Solms-Rödelheim
It became completely privately owned in 1854
The farmers brought the grain via the "donkey path" and the miller brought the regrind to their customers with the donkey. Even the last active miller probably did it that way.
In the mill, only wheat and rye were ground to white and black flour, and grain was crushed
Around 1928 the mill activity was abandoned (with the big "mill death"); the smaller mills could no longer work profitably
Through the transcription of the Petterweiler family book and the documents in the state archive, we have been able to compile the list of the respective millers since 1649
The Riedmühle was therefore always inhabited: births in the Riedmühle are mentioned repeatedly in the Petterweil family book. The earliest date in the documents currently available to us is 2.11.1650
Already in the year 1740 an investment list of the former Owner made it clear that the mill always had a small farm: in addition to the house and barn, a pigsty and an oven are also mentioned
Various district maps, city maps and online maps show that the mill always consisted of a building ensemble. Depending on the map, 3-5 buildings are listed
In the district plans from 1851 and 1892 it can be seen that the buildings had the dimensions as they are here today.
A newly prepared dendrochronological report (examination of the age of individual wooden beams), for which various areas of the wood were examined, confirms that the house was renewed more intensively in around 1828. Apparently, the roof structure also dates from that time. Other parts could be dated to 1673.
The following can be read about the alley blocks around 1594: “Although the Riedmühle is outside, it was part of the Schloßgasse block when the tax was levied; in 1906 it still had the address Schloßgasse 15
The millers of the Riedmühle were allowed to grant other millers the right to grind and to charge fees
In a longer document "concerning the Riedmühle zu Petterweil" from 1846 the question is discussed and stated that the mill was always in the possession of the respective miller and the mill was used as a deposit for the outstanding lease and that maybe only the ban right was sold (which was also confirmed by other documents and thus represents a value for the miller). In this document various invoices (statements) relating to sale or inheritance, among others from the years 1500, 1502, 1638 etc.. .... are mentioned.
For us, this currently means that the documented mention goes back to at least
The water ran from above onto the mill wheel
It had 1 grinding station (i.e. only 1 possibility to grind grain, probably between the two grinding stones)
It belonged to the holdings of Count Solms-Rödelheim
It became completely privately owned in 1854
The farmers brought the grain via the "donkey path" and the miller brought the regrind to their customers with the donkey. Even the last active miller probably did it that way.
In the mill, only wheat and rye were ground to white and black flour, and grain was crushed
Around 1928 the mill activity was abandoned (with the big "mill death"); the smaller mills could no longer work profitably
Through the transcription of the Petterweiler family book and the documents in the state archive, we have been able to compile the list of the respective millers since 1649
The Riedmühle was therefore always inhabited: births in the Riedmühle are mentioned repeatedly in the Petterweil family book. The earliest date in the documents currently available to us is 2.11.1650
Already in the year 1740 an investment list of the former Owner made it clear that the mill always had a small farm: in addition to the house and barn, a pigsty and an oven are also mentioned
Various district maps, city maps and online maps show that the mill always consisted of a building ensemble. Depending on the map, 3-5 buildings are listed
In the district plans from 1851 and 1892 it can be seen that the buildings had the dimensions as they are here today.
A newly prepared dendrochronological report (examination of the age of individual wooden beams), for which various areas of the wood were examined, confirms that the house was renewed more intensively in around 1828. Apparently, the roof structure also dates from that time. Other parts could be dated to 1673.
The following can be read about the alley blocks around 1594: “Although the Riedmühle is outside, it was part of the Schloßgasse block when the tax was levied; in 1906 it still had the address Schloßgasse 15
The millers of the Riedmühle were allowed to grant other millers the right to grind and to charge fees
In a longer document "concerning the Riedmühle zu Petterweil" from 1846 the question is discussed and stated that the mill was always in the possession of the respective miller and the mill was used as a deposit for the outstanding lease and that maybe only the ban right was sold (which was also confirmed by other documents and thus represents a value for the miller). In this document various invoices (statements) relating to sale or inheritance, among others from the years 1500, 1502, 1638 etc.. .... are mentioned.
For us, this currently means that the documented mention goes back to at least
until the year 1500
Since these seem to be sales or transfer documents, the mill will have stood here much earlier.
History and stories around the Riedmühle:
Due to its location on the water and in the case of the Riedmühle on the outskirts of the village, the mill was part of the village of Petterweil and has always been of particular importance.
Many stories can be gathered from the documents.
Many stories can be gathered from the documents.
Grave stones saved at the Riedmühle:
Heinrich Steitz, pastor between 1935 and 1937 and art historian, reports: He made sure that older grave slabs, which were used carelessly to protect the mill ditch near the Riedmühle, were taken away and put up again at the Protestant church. (From the obituary for Heinrich Steitz)
Where did the Riedmühle belong to:
Regarding the alley blocks around 1594, one can read: “Although the Riedmühle is outside, it belongs to the Schloßgasse block when the tax is levied; in 1906 it still had the address Schloßgasse 15 (Petterweiler Geschichtsblätter 3 (2002) Nr.4)
Revolution - and Riedmiller was forgotten:
In "Petterweil's contribution to the revolution of 1848" you can read: "... to get rid of the (tithe) taxes ... on March 20, 1848 the men gathered, armed with pitchforks, flails and scythes .. ... and moved to the Count's castle in Assenheim ... Five of them were admitted ... The trial was protracted. Finally, the outsiders began to throw stones at the windows of the castle. The count then signed what they wanted. There is said to have been a big festival in Petterweil. Unfortunately they had forgotten to mention the Riedmiller and his water allowance when listing the righteous who were to be deleted, so he was the only one to continue paying (Petterweil - History of a Wetterau village).
Thereupon the Riedmüller probably turned himself to the count and the tax authorities. In the filing note of the rent chamber to the counts it says "Der Riedmüller asks" ... for the most gracious waiver of the 12 Malter grain resting on his mill, half of which Solms Rödelheim and the other half of the landgraves have to obtain from the tax authorities ... ..The main reasons for this request are the diminution of the ban on grinding and the lack of protection in his rights ”. The rent chamber then coordinated with the count: "... so your view and decision on this matter would be all the more desirable ..." (Doc 4/63)
Thereupon the Riedmüller probably turned himself to the count and the tax authorities. In the filing note of the rent chamber to the counts it says "Der Riedmüller asks" ... for the most gracious waiver of the 12 Malter grain resting on his mill, half of which Solms Rödelheim and the other half of the landgraves have to obtain from the tax authorities ... ..The main reasons for this request are the diminution of the ban on grinding and the lack of protection in his rights ”. The rent chamber then coordinated with the count: "... so your view and decision on this matter would be all the more desirable ..." (Doc 4/63)
The miller was not always well off. Riedmühle auctioned:
In 1827 on June 9th. the Riedmühle was auctioned twice. First of all from the miller's widow. There were individual bidders for various parts such as court riding with a mill (house, stable, mill), meadows near the mill, Frankfurt Katharinenlehn, Okarber district Wiesen, Frankfurt parish, at the Schiefenbrunnen. This combined sum of the individual bidders was outbid by a total bid from a relative.
Less than two months later, on July 27, 1827, the mill had to be auctioned again. Then there was a complete bidder from Gelnhausen who had already bid for individual parts in the first auction. (Dok 4/50 ff)
Less than two months later, on July 27, 1827, the mill had to be auctioned again. Then there was a complete bidder from Gelnhausen who had already bid for individual parts in the first auction. (Dok 4/50 ff)
The ban law had a value:
The millers of the Riedmühle were allowed to "... if they were not able to meet the needs of the Petterweil site ..., give other millers the authority to accept flour in Petterwil, for which the external mills unite the Riedmüller Deadline lease was paid ....... (From the document "concerning the Riedmühle zu Petterweil" from October 16, 1846 Doc 4/72
They had to fight for the ban law again:
In 1837, the "Hofgräflichen Rentkammer" received an "application for the reduction of the mill lease". This is commented on by the Rentkammer:
".... On this mill rests ... a permanent mill lease: Mühlen- also called Malterpacht, of 12 Malter wages annually, which must be paid by the owner of the mill on Petertag, namely
1) half to Count Rödelheim with 6 Malter
2) half to rent office with 6 Malter
A right to grind cannot be legally addressed and has knowingly never had the power.
The town of Petterweil is banned to this Riedmill.
However, the Petterweil residents have recently objected to this ban law and have effectively abolished it by calling foreign millers into the village and handing over these fruits to grind.
Through various complaints, which the miller therefore made to Mr. District Administrator Seitz zu Vilbel pretty much restored his right of ban by taking on a miller from Holzhausen, together with him they managed the milling business (?) In Petterweil ”(25.1.1837 Dok 4 / 55r)
Whether the miller simply could not keep up with the orders or whether it was simply lucrative for him to include an additional miller who had to pay him fees remains speculation.
".... On this mill rests ... a permanent mill lease: Mühlen- also called Malterpacht, of 12 Malter wages annually, which must be paid by the owner of the mill on Petertag, namely
1) half to Count Rödelheim with 6 Malter
2) half to rent office with 6 Malter
A right to grind cannot be legally addressed and has knowingly never had the power.
The town of Petterweil is banned to this Riedmill.
However, the Petterweil residents have recently objected to this ban law and have effectively abolished it by calling foreign millers into the village and handing over these fruits to grind.
Through various complaints, which the miller therefore made to Mr. District Administrator Seitz zu Vilbel pretty much restored his right of ban by taking on a miller from Holzhausen, together with him they managed the milling business (?) In Petterweil ”(25.1.1837 Dok 4 / 55r)
Whether the miller simply could not keep up with the orders or whether it was simply lucrative for him to include an additional miller who had to pay him fees remains speculation.
The weather also bothered the millers:
"... Due to the dry weather that has occurred in the summer for two years, my grinder caused me the greatest damage in which it was not possible for me to grind half a Malter of fruit in a day at that time of year to lease the right to ban my mill, which I would otherwise be able to do without damage, because even with favorable weather I could not usually satisfy the delivery to all my guests ..... December 24, 1836 "(Doc 4/52)
We are looking for pictures
What we are unfortunately missing are historical pictures of the mill. Some people from the village can still remember that the mill wheel was on the southwestern wall of the house and that the mill trench was branched off to drive the mill wheel, but we lack pictures.