M: The mill's sails soar into the sky – 31 metres or over a hundred feet tall. Next to the farmhouse, the smock windmill is our Open Air Museum's second landmark.
F: But the mill hasn't always stood here on the southern shore of the lake. Built in 1811 near Westerstede, it was moved several times and finally found a permanent home in the agricultural area of Hüllsteder Esch. In the mid-1950s, the Ammerländer Bauernhaus Local History Society acquired this traditional mill and moved it to this site.
M: The Hüllstede mill is what's called a smock windmill, known as a "Dutch windmill" here in Germany. That's because this type of mill was developed in the 16th century by the Dutch engineer Jan Leeghwater and was very common in the Netherlands. But given its distinctive appearance, it's seen as the epitome of a windmill in Germany, too:
F: The semi-circular canopy, or cap, sits high up on a rigid, solid base. The cap is actually the only part of the structure that moves and can be turned into the wind. At the back of the cap is the fantail, which rotates and moves the sails with great precision. They must always be at right angles to the wind direction.
Inside the cap, the sails – known collectively as the sweep – are connected to the enormous wing shaft. This shaft, made from the trunk of a huge oak tree, turns several gears and other machinery on the various floors of the mill.
M: You're very welcome to go inside. The following audio commentaries will explain how the mill works and describe some of its special features. But if you'd prefer to tour this engineering marvel in the company of a real miller, if you'd like to hear some personal anecdotes and reminiscences – and understand German, of course, please feel free to book an individual guided tour via the Local History Society office. We look forward to showing you around in person.
Fotos: © Tanja Heinemann
