Could these walls speak, what tales would they tell of Schiltigheim? We stand before the Ferme Linck. It is a building with stories woven into its very timbers. Its history stretches back to the late 17th century.
In 1675, Georg Freyss, a member of the Adelshoffen court, ordered its construction. The Ferme Linck gets its name from its later Protestant owners. One of them, Frédéric Linck, transformed the building around 1897. It became a cartwright’s workshop.
The workshop operated until about 1963. The Lincks, father and son, produced wheels for brewery carts. They also made tools for individuals. Imagine the sounds of hammering and sawing. Picture the smell of wood and metal filling the air.
In 1989, the City of Schiltigheim acquired the Ferme Linck. It underwent significant restoration. The ground floor masonry was replaced with timber framing. The rear windows were enlarged. An attic floor was created.
For a time, the Ferme Linck housed the city’s cultural services. Today, it hosts exhibitions about the industrial heritage of Schiltigheim. The Ferme Linck is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It stands as a testament to Schiltigheim’s rich past.
The Ferme Linck’s balcony showcases Alsatian timber framing. Look for V-shaped beams. Notice the Saint Andrew’s crosses and crossed lozenges. One window on the first floor features a Renaissance frame. It also has a Saint Andrew’s cross transom.
The curule chair theme on the balcony indicates Georg Freyss’s status. He was a notable. He was an alderman of Adelshoffen. Adelshoffen was not yet part of Schiltigheim at the time.
Inside, discover the permanent exhibitions. “Mémoire industrielle de Schiltigheim 1860-1939” reveals the city’s industrial past. Schiltigheim was once the capital of beer and food processing in Alsace. Another exhibition honors Auguste Michel. He was an industrialist, patron, and founder of the Kunschthafe. A third exhibition changes.
Volunteer members of “Mémoire et Patrimoine de Schiltigheim” welcome visitors. They open the doors on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm. The Ferme Linck is more than just a building. It is a repository of memories. It is a place where the past comes alive. It invites us to reflect on Schiltigheim’s journey through time.
Before we move on, take one last look at the Ferme Linck. Appreciate its architecture and its history. Imagine the generations who lived and worked within these walls. The Ferme Linck stands as a symbol of Schiltigheim’s enduring spirit. It has witnessed centuries of change. It continues to share its story with all who visit.