“Did you know the Haster Mühle once hosted a ‘Gelehrtenklub’?” I ask. This historic watermill wasn’t just about grinding grain. It stands proudly on the Bramscher Straße a significant crossing over the Nette river. For centuries the Haster Mühle marked a boundary a place of tolls and guards. Records show a mill here as early as 1204. The lords of Haste even bought it back from the Gertrudenberg Benedictine convent.
Imagine the scene in 1726. A devastating fire destroyed the millhouse the brewery and other buildings. Luckily with the Bishop’s support it was rebuilt. The mill buildings you see today largely date from the early 20th century. They incorporate some older parts of the original structure. This blend of old and new gives the Haster Mühle its unique character.
The Haster Mühle wasn’t just a working mill. A legal battle in 1763 highlights another aspect of its history. The miller fought the Osnabrück council. The council wanted to stop him from running a tavern without paying taxes. The court ruled in his favor. He could continue his tavern but he had to pay taxes.
By the late 18th century the Haster Mühle became a popular destination for Osnabrück’s social elite. The miller built a special building with three rooms and a wine cellar. The ‘Gelehrtenklub’ a group of scholars met there regularly. The famous author Justus Möser may have been a member though it’s not certain. What we do know is that he frequently visited the area with his family and friends. They enjoyed walks picnics and stops at the Haster Mühle’s ‘Kaffeeschenke’. This café served coffee tea wine and pastries. It was one of many such establishments outside the city gates. Other popular spots included a tavern at the Heger Turm and the Grothaus café. The Haster Mühle’s tavern continued operating until 1927. That was before the construction of the Hansastraße. Today that busy road runs very close to the mill.
The Haster Mühle’s story is a rich tapestry. It’s a story of commerce social gatherings legal disputes and architectural evolution. It reflects Osnabrück’s history and its connection to the surrounding countryside. It stands as a reminder of simpler times. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable place.