How many villages can claim to have emerged from the vision of a king? Today we focus on Neu Zittauer Mühlenberg. Let me tell you about Neu Zittau’s interesting start.
King Frederick II of Prussia sought to revitalize his war-torn lands. He aimed to produce raw materials within his kingdom. Wool became a sought-after resource. Frederick established villages near the Spree. Fine spinners from Saxony were to settle there. They would spin wool for Berlin’s large wool manufacturers.
In 1751, a plan for a spinning village near Wernsdorf was presented. The name Neu Zittau appeared in a document that December. The plan included 50 double houses for 100 families. A court, a pub, and a mill were also planned. Construction began with 11,000 Reichstalers allocated.
The first houses were completed in August 1752. Families began arriving in Neu Zittau. By 1753, all houses were finished. Frederick II signed the founding document on May 16, 1753. Neu Zittau was officially founded. The village was named for settlers expected from Zittau in Saxony. However, only two families came from that area.
Neu Zittau’s main industry was to be wool spinning. The fine spinners received wool from Wegely and Sons in Berlin. They were to spin yarns and return them. However, most could only spin medium and coarse yarns. Earning a living from spinning proved difficult. Even a diligent spinner earned only 16 to 20 Groschen weekly.
As the silk industry declined in the late 18th century, Neu Zittau sought other work. Shipping became a major source of income. The waterway ran by the village. The Spree River had more water then than it does today. The spinning village transformed into a shipping village.
By 1768, there were six boatmen. By 1803, there were 17. Between 1850 and 1900, there were over 100. Neu Zittau’s boatmen were goods carriers. They transported Rüdersdorf limestone to Berlin. They also carried coal, lead, and zinc from Breslau to Berlin.
Shipping brought prosperity to Neu Zittau. Larger, more beautiful houses were built. Some still stand today. A boatmen’s association was founded in 1806. Later, it became a boatmen’s social club. Almost everyone in the village joined. In 1889, a boatmen’s guild formed with 67 members. They came from Neu Zittau, Gosen, Wernsdorf, and Freienbrink. By 1906, the guild had 130 members.
A maritime school opened in 1897. It offered qualifications for boat masters. The school became so famous that boatmen from the Rhineland came to get their licenses.
Later, the Spree River silted up. Shipping moved to Wernsdorf. The Oder-Spree Canal aided this shift. In 1935, the boatmen’s guild dissolved. Free guilds were not allowed in the Third Reich. It had 70 members at the time.
Today, there is no shipping in Neu Zittau. But, there are many service companies. These range from master coopers to bakers and florists. You can also find riding stables, guesthouses, and restaurants.
Take a moment to appreciate Neu Zittau’s history. It began with a king’s vision. It transformed into a resilient community. The village adapted to changing times. It embraced new opportunities. From spinners to shippers and beyond, Neu Zittau has always found a way.