“A mighty gallery Dutchman” Luer Steffens built it in 1769. We are standing before Die Mühle am Hafen. It replaced a corn watermill at Scharmbecker Loge. This corn windmill boasts two millstones. One grinds flour and one grinds shot.
The windmill’s wind turbine measured 22.5 meters. It had a smooth operation. Only the Klosterholz to the north restricted the wind. Residents from Heidkamp came here. Also people from Osterholz and Scharmbeck visited the mill. Farmers from Teufelsmoor brought grain by ship to Osterholz harbor. They all were milling guests here at Die Mühle am Hafen.
The lease contained a privilege. No other mill could be built nearby. Yet, the Royal Government in Stade approved a windmill near Pennigbüttel in 1795. Steffens’ son protested this construction for a long time. He argued Osterholz already had 15 mills. These mills did not have enough to grind.
Albert Puff was the last wind miller at Die Mühle am Hafen. He shut down the mill in 1934. A lightning strike destroyed the sails in 1946. Today, the mill houses a restaurant.
In 1864, the Wohltmann family bought Die Mühle am Hafen. In 1879, Mr. Hauschild from Vegesack leased it. The Wohltmann heirs sold the corn mill to Albert Puff in 1907. He was also a motorboat captain. He traveled from the harbor to the Hamme huts.
Puff stopped the mill in 1932 not 1934. In 1946, lightning destroyed its wind system. Later, it became a youth center. Since 1960, Peter Bruns runs his jazz club here. For decades, it was important far beyond the region. Die Mühle am Hafen stands as a testament to time. It blends history with modern life. It offers good food within old walls.