Ever stopped to consider where the idea for German Mill Day came from? Well, it all started right here in Lechtingen. This charming village is part of Wallenhorst in the district of Osnabrück. Lechtingen might be the second smallest part of the community, but it has a big story to tell.
Lechtingen is bordered by Rulle, Wallenhorst, and Hollage. It also neighbors Pye and Haste. These are districts of the city of Osnabrück to the south. Part of Piesberg lies within Lechtingen.
The Piesberg was once Europe’s largest quarry. Now, it features an arboretum. You can find a 33-meter-tall sequoia there. But Lechtingen’s real gem is the restored Windmill Lechtingen. This is where several open-air events take place each year.
The Windmill Lechtingen is more than just a picturesque landmark. It is the birthplace of the idea for Lower Saxony Mill Day. This event later became German Mill Day. It is celebrated every year on Whit Monday.
Until 1972, Lechtingen had its own mayor. Several people held this office over the years. Aloys Stertenbrink served as mayor from 1936 to 1945 and again from 1948 to 1956. Georg Kreuzkamp was mayor from 1945 to 1948. Johannes Werries held the position from 1956 to 1971. Kurt Jünemann was the last mayor before Lechtingen was incorporated. He served from 1971 to 1972.
Lechtingen also had village headmen before the time of mayors. Franz Heinrich Riepenhoff was headman in 1849. Ferdinand Werries followed in 1858. Other headmen included Wöstmann, Harenburg, and Heinrich Sprehe.
Heinrich Riepenhoff served two terms. Theodor Ebbeskotte also held the position. Konrad Stertenbrink, August Werries, Anton Meyer and Bernhard Hanesch also served.
Lechtingen’s coat of arms tells a story too. It features two crossed golden branches. Above them is a golden flame on a black mountain in red. The colors are those of the German flag. There are two interpretations of Lechtingen’s name. One is “light meadows”. The other is “place near the light signals”. The coat of arms design relates to the second interpretation. In the past, people were warned of danger by fire signals from Piesberg. The black represents the night when the fire burned. The red suggests the impending danger. The golden flame is the warning signal.
Lechtingen has seen its population change over the years. In 1939, it had 1,035 residents. By 1950, this number had grown to 1,491. In 1961, the population was 1,624. By 1970, it had reached 2,081. More recently, in 2020, Lechtingen had 4,583 residents.
Several notable people were born or grew up in Lechtingen. Hubert Müller was born here. He was a Roman Catholic priest, theologian, and university professor. Food journalist Stefanie Hiekmann, actress Jana Klinge, and media journalist Stefan Niggemeier also grew up in Lechtingen.
So, the next time you celebrate German Mill Day, remember Lechtingen. This is the little village where it all began. Lechtingen is a place of history, community, and cultural significance.