Französisch Buchholz

Amidst the bustling energy of Berlin, lies a tranquil haven called Französisch Buchholz. Its story begins in the 13th century as the simple village of Buckholtz. A document from 1242 mentions it as a border town of Schönerlinde. The heart of Französisch Buchholz is its church. Its oldest part dates back to 1250. Over the next few centuries, noble families held ownership of Buchholz. In 1670, the last noble family ceded their share and patronage of the village church to the Elector. A pivotal moment in Französisch Buchholz’s history arrived with the Edict of Potsdam in 1685. French Huguenots, fleeing religious persecution, found refuge in Brandenburg-Prussia. In 1688, a French colony was established in Buchholz. The Huguenots, skilled in agriculture and craftsmanship, brought a new wave of prosperity. They introduced crops like green beans, cauliflower, asparagus, artichokes, and various herbs, transforming the local landscape. By 1750, the name Französisch Buchholz came into common use, reflecting the village’s blended identity. Eight German and six French farmers, along with eleven French and seven German cottagers, called it home. A blacksmith, wheelwright, two shepherds, a hereditary smithy, the hereditary inn, and a night watchman in winter added to the village’s character. The Huguenots also influenced local governance. A new fire-fighting ordinance, developed in 1702, remained in effect until 1806. A French coffee house, established around 1730, added a touch of French flair to the rustic charm. The Huguenots’ influence extended to horticulture, agriculture, and crafts. The cultivation of fruits, vegetables, mulberry trees, and tobacco plants flourished. New plant cultivation ventures further enriched the village. Even amidst the wars of the 18th century, the community thrived with around 225 inhabitants. Französisch Buchholz’s unique atmosphere attracted visitors from nearby Berlin, making it a popular destination. The artist Daniel Chodowiecki, born in Danzig in 1726, immortalized the village in his 1779 etching, “Pilgrimage to Französisch Buchholz”. This artwork stemmed from a promise of a Sunday trip to the then-popular recreational spot, a promise thwarted by bad weather. The etching, a charming depiction of the village, remains a frequently used motif when locals explore their history.