Perhaps you might not expect it but Mezouň, this charming village, carries centuries of stories within its borders. Mezouň stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Czech people. First mentioned in 1025, Mezouň has seen its share of trials and triumphs.
The name Mezouň likely originated from Mezoun’s farmstead. This farmstead and neighboring cottages became property of the Ostrov Monastery near Davle in 1025. However, in 1420, the Hussites burned down the monastery. Mezouň then became part of Karlštejn estate. The local serfs paid higher taxes compared to those in other villages. Consequently, many people left.
During the Thirty Years’ War from 1618 to 1648, Mezouň suffered repeated plundering by foreign and domestic troops. Farmers could not continue. They sold their farms and land to the manor farm. In 1636, the balks were plowed for the first time. The farm was improved and began to prosper. A pond was built in the village. Also, a pub was constructed.
Yet, the farm gradually deteriorated due to tenants. Its distance from the estate led to re-parceling of the land in 1781. In 1818, the chapel was built, which still stands today.
An important year for Mezouň was 1850. Clay and painter’s clay deposits were discovered in the southern part of the Mezouň cadastre. These were mined for 119 years. The clays were initially used for modeling. Their fire resistance led to their use as pottery material. The white painter’s clays were high quality. They were exported to areas around Prague, Moravia, and Slovakia. The first pottery workshop was founded in 1887. A second, more modern one, followed seven years later. They produced dishes, painted plates, bowls, pitchers, and various figurines. Mezouň products were later recognized at various exhibitions.
A volunteer fire brigade was established in Mezouň in 1899. Construction of a fire station also began.
During World War I, mobilization took place in Mezouň. Soon, all men aged 18 to 50 were at the front. All harvests were turned over to the state. Food sales were only allowed with ration cards. Due to malnutrition, epidemics spread. Surprisingly, only two people in Mezouň succumbed to them.
After the establishment of Czechoslovakia, citizens joined political parties and organizations.
In 1919, the Sokol unit was founded. In 1925, a monument to the fallen in World War I was unveiled. The Tyl theater group was established in 1926. The SK Mezouň football club was founded in 1928. The village was electrified from 1929 to 1931. In 1938, the local organization of the Czech Red Cross was founded. Mobilization was declared on September 23, 1938. On March 31, 1939, soldiers returned home.
During World War II, ration cards appeared in Mezouň in September 1939. A mandatory collection of non-ferrous metals for Hitler’s birthday in April 1940 was not successful. Only 37 kg were collected in Mezouň. In 1942, the bell was taken from the village chapel for war purposes. In 1943, the village purchased an alarm siren. That same year, all citizens had to remove short waves from their radios. Black market trading of food expanded. Five people from the village left for forced labor in Germany in 1943. In January 1945, some people left for forced trench work in Moravia. In April 1945, 52 men signed up for the Železo partisan unit. In May 1945, the German residents were secured. A collection was taken for Prague. Soviet troops camped near Mezouň from May 8 to 11.
Since then, Mezouň has continued to evolve, adapting to modern times while cherishing its rich heritage.