Is it possible that the Talmühle, a former mill on the Lößnitzbach, once echoed with the rhythmic sounds of grinding grain? This place exudes a sense of history. The Talmühle was one of seven watermills along the Lößnitzbach. It stood proudly in Serkowitz, now part of Radebeul.
Let’s dive into the Talmühle’s past. A document dating back to 1337 mentions “Gasthof and die Mühle”. This makes it the earliest documented watermill on the Lößnitzbach. Imagine the water wheel turning steadily for centuries.
Merten Beune was the first miller known by name in 1547. His relatives followed him. Thomas in 1558, Fabian in 1569 and Jacob Beune from 1575. Melchior Mehlich bought the mill in 1589. Andreas Rotzsche is known to be there in 1669 and the miller Hans Meschler in 1687.
Around 1714-1720, a map sketched by Hans August Nienborg shows both the mill and the inn. It depicts the Lößnitzbach and the Seegraben. In 1721, when Hans Hölscher took over, the mill had a grinding gang powered by the Lößnitzbach.
In 1784, big changes came when the post road was moved higher. This event also led to the creation of the Weiberstein and Elbe river regulation. The mill got land to farm. By 1799, when Johann Gottlob Händel took over, the mill was half a Hufen in size. His son Johann Gottlob Händel inherited the family property in 1839. He complained in 1835. Elbe floods often blocked the mill’s tailwater, stopping the water wheel.
Heinrich Wilhelm Adam sen. became the miller in 1856. Then came Leuthold, Miethner, Kluge, Michel, Kokel, Ernst Wille in 1868 and Herschel in the following year.
Heinrich Wilhelm Adam jun. closed the mill in 1870. Friedrich Wilhelm Sorge tore down the mill and drained the mill pond. In 1872, he built a villa on the mill pond’s dam, offering views of the Elbe.
Oskar Linke transformed the villa into the “Thalmühle” restaurant around 1895. In 1899, a two-story wooden colonnade with Elbe views was added. It was a popular spot for locals and visitors. The restaurant changed hands several times in the early 20th century.
The Soviet occupation in 1945 ended its time as a restaurant. The main building became a residence again. Today, the main building of the Talmühle still stands. It is a reminder of its rich history.
Imagine the villa as a bustling restaurant. Guests enjoyed the view from the wooden colonnade. Today, you can see the residential building at Altserkowitz 13. It is a testament to the Talmühle’s enduring legacy. The Talmühle is a remarkable piece of Radebeul’s history. Its story reflects the changes of time.