“Graues Elend.” That’s what the administrator called the operations manual of Haus Sölde. Can you imagine managing such a large agricultural estate near an industrial area?
Haus Sölde stands before us. It is a former knight’s estate in Dortmund’s Sölde district. Its history stretches back centuries. This place offers a glimpse into a different time.
Built in the 13th century, Haus Sölde initially fell under the authority of the lords of Volmarstein. In 1402, the estate transitioned into the hands of the lords of Hövel zu Sölde. This marked a significant chapter in its history.
Eleven farms and Kotten in Sölde belonged to Haus Sölde. The estate was a hub of agricultural activity. Then in 1839, Freiherr von Hövel sold his possessions including Haus Sölde. Carl Overweg from Iserlohn acquired it. However, his ownership was brief.
In 1841, Caspar H. Neuhoff genannt Schulze-Dellwig purchased Haus Sölde. This acquisition began a long family stewardship. His descendants managed Haus Sölde as a large agricultural operation. They continued until the 1980s. Theodor, Walther, and Theodor were among those who dedicated their lives to the estate.
The agricultural operation included land in Sölde. It also encompassed areas in Holzwickede and Fröndenberg-Altendorf. The balance sheets from the early 20th century reveal the scale of the operation. Assets totaled around one million marks. The Schulze-Dellwig family also possessed extensive mining property. This wealth placed them among Dortmund’s most important economic figures.
The estate’s records offer insights into its operations. These records detail the production and trade of agricultural goods. Its location on the edge of industrial Dortmund shaped its activities. The bookkeeping rivaled that of merchants. It employed a system of ledgers and subsidiary books. The estate utilized modern agricultural accounting methods. The “Graues Elend” or operation manual documented everything.
Today, Haus Sölde serves as residential units. It is a listed building preserving its historical importance. The building stands as a reminder of its past.
Historical documents from the von Hövel family shed light on Haus Sölde. The Schulze Dellwig family provided these to the Aplerbeck History Society. These documents allow for a complete reconstruction of the house’s history.
Among the documents is one from 1342. Günter Ehlers and Ralf Otte are examining the 180 documents. Sixty documents revealed stories. A feud around 1420 involved the Archbishop of Cologne and the Counts of Mark. The Soest feud of 1444–1449 is mentioned. Also, the Count of Mark’s attack on Klusenstein Castle. Johann von Hövel’s marriage to Clara von Friesenberg is recorded.
An exhibition was planned to share these stories from Sölde’s past. It was planned to be between the 14th and 19th centuries. It was scheduled for 2019 at the Aplerbeck office.
Haus Sölde stands not just as a building. It represents centuries of agricultural history. It embodies family stewardship in the face of industrial growth. Its story continues to echo through the community.