Once a hub of activity now stands the Wirtschaftsgebäude von Haus Ende. Let me tell you a story about this place. Haus Ende began as an industrialist’s villa. It was built around 1911 for Kommerzienrat Robert Müser. Bachmann and Pinno designed it in the style of a baroque manor house. The design focused on representation and celebrations.
Imagine visitors entering through a vestibule. They would then find themselves in an impressive hall. A nearly five-meter-high fireplace dominated the hall. Smaller rooms and a library connected to it. Behind these were the owner’s apartment and guest rooms. The house mainly served as a party venue. However, the bachelor Müser could not host many parties.
Albert Vögler acquired Haus Ende in 1919. Vögler was a close confidant of industrialist Hugo Stinnes. He soon became the general director of Vereinigte Stahlwerke. This is why Haus Ende is also known as Villa Vögler. Vögler supported Adolf Hitler’s election campaign. He hoped for contracts for his steelworks. He invited Hitler to the house several times before 1933.
The secluded and impressive estate became Vögler’s base. He used it to represent the power of the Ruhr industry. As World War II began, the dictator no longer felt safe there. Vögler spared no expense to build a massive bunker complex. He installed extensive security measures to protect his villa. Vögler advanced his career in the Nazi state. He obtained a leading position in armaments. Though never a member of the Nazi party, Vögler took his own life. This happened shortly before the war ended in 1945. He wanted to avoid capture by the Allied forces.
After the war, the American military administration took over the house. They eventually transferred it to the city of Herdecke. The condition was that Haus Ende must be used for social purposes. Initially, the house served as a children’s home. Later, it became a training center for nurses. The Arbeiterwohlfahrt bought it. In 1981, they leased it to the Federal Agency for Civilian Service. The agency established a civilian service school there.
Over the years, several outbuildings were constructed in the surrounding park. These buildings primarily served as sleeping quarters. They also provided classrooms for civilian service personnel. Haus Ende is a listed building surrounded by an old park. The house remains in good condition. The magnificent rooms have been restored. Only the park has become overgrown over time. The bunker complex remains locked.
Today, the building functions as the Herdecke Education Center. It is part of the Federal Agency for Family Affairs and Civil Society. It provides instruction for those committed to the Federal Volunteer Service. As you stand here before the Wirtschaftsgebäude von Haus Ende reflect on the layers of history. This building has witnessed industrialists political intrigue social service and personal tragedy.