Old muller craft becomes cultural heritage

In the lonnerstadt muhle of paul and regina bruckmann, interested burghers can still experience today how water power was used in past centuries to turn grain into flour. Paul bruckmann and son felix still master this traditional muller craft.

It is precisely this craft that UNESCO recently declared an "intangible cultural heritage" explained in order to preserve it and preserve it for future generations. As unesco has discovered, of the 50,000 mills that once existed in germany, only about 50 still keep the traditional muller craft alive. Only in these few mills, which use wind or water power as drive technology, is the old technology still maintained. The lonnerstadt muller belongs to this select circle.

Paul bruckmann is proud that his muller craft is now part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. Financial support is not connected with the award. Rather the opposite: the propulsion technology should work as before and transfer the water power directly to the shaft. Bruckmann must understand the muller’s trade and pass on his knowledge.

Roadworthy wholemeal flour

Finally, UNESCO is also demanding that a "roadworthy product" be found in the old car that can also be marketed. With the bruckmanns, it’s wholemeal flour. But it should not stop there. In the medium term, the company plans to open a mill store with regional products, says bruckmann.

In 2009, the family bought the lonnerstadter muhle, first mentioned in 1440, to restore it. For bruckmann, a master muller, muller and millwright by trade, this was a challenge that he tackled with full force and also led to success. The listed property with its mill and neighboring house has already won several awards.

The bruckmanns’ son felix wants to ensure that the traditional muller craft continues to be cultivated. He was trained as a millwright at the technical school in braunschweig, and now designs and builds modern mills in the lonnerstadt family business together with his father.

Intangible cultural heritage

According to UNESCO, dance, theater, music, needs, festivals and handicrafts are also part of the program. The cultural heritage is alive and is supported by human knowledge and skills.