“Lost keys again?” a voice echoes. Here, before the Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus, we find ourselves amidst whispers of time. The Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus stands as a humble testament to simpler times.
Imagine a dwelling from the early 19th century. It is a simple worker’s house. This is the Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus. The Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus resides on the grounds of the Scherer millstone quarry in Perg’s upper market.
Until the early 21st century, this building remained privately owned. It was habitable. In 2007, the Steinbrecherhaus association acquired the Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus. Harald Marschner oversaw the renovation. The original condition was largely preserved.
Today, stepping inside the Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus allows us to grasp the living conditions of ordinary folk. The Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus museum features a parlor. It has a table, benches, and a tiled stove. There is also a smoke kitchen. It is complete with basic household appliances. An exhibition room displays images, stone objects, and tools.
On the grounds, an original workshop has been reconstructed. A garden shed displays information about regional geology. In front, a rock garden showcases sandstone and granite pieces. The grounds extend west to the Hinterbach. Steps lead down past an earth cellar. A hydraulic pump, called a Widder, has been restored by the stream.
Since 2019, a farmer’s mill from Maltatal has been relocated to Perg. This is the Meisingermühle. It is named after its original location at a farm in Carinthia. This mill demonstrates the milling of grain. Millstones of various rocks illustrate the diversity of milling. It evolved over millennia.
The Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus, along with the sandstone Ratgöbluckn earth stall and the Scherer millstone quarry, gained protected status in 2009. In 2008, the Steinbrecherhaus association received the Upper Austrian Folk Culture Award. This was for preserving valuable folk architecture.
Perg’s stone breakers were first documented in 1391. Perg owes its medieval rise to the quarrying of millstones from sandstone. Perger millstones, including those from the Scherer quarry, were widely distributed. The millstone breaker guild comprised 30 to 40 Perger citizens and their assistants. It existed until 1859. The millstone breakers’ guild flag is displayed in Perg’s Heimathaus-Stadtmuseum. The term “millstone breaker” changed to “millstone hewer” in 1872.
Besides museum displays, the Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus hosts readings. It also features puppet theater performances and special exhibitions. Folk music events occur here too. The Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus is on the Donausteig trail. It marks a station on Perg’s nature experience routes. It is part of the Stone Breaker Walks. These walks are organized by the Perg Local History and Museum Association.
So, as you wander this space, imagine the echoes of hammers. Hear the stories of the stone breakers. Envision their lives, their work, and their legacy. The Ehemaliges Steinbrecherhaus stands not just as a building. It is a portal into a bygone era.