ZEG Zweirad-Einkaufs-Genossenschaft eG

“A symphony of croaking frogs, can you hear them?” I ask, gesturing towards the lush greenery of Kradepohlsmühle. “This place, Kradepohlsmühle, gets its name from those little amphibians. It translates to ‘frog pond’ – a fitting name, don’t you think?” Kradepohlsmühle is a fascinating place, a historical landmark where the echoes of industry meet the tranquility of nature. It started as a humble grinding mill, a simple structure harnessing the power of the Strunde River. Over time, Kradepohlsmühle transformed, embracing different roles throughout the centuries. It churned grain as a fulling mill, ground materials for gunpowder during the Thirty Years’ War, and even served as an oil and leather processing mill. But its most enduring legacy began in the mid-19th century when Karl Friedrich Wachendorff, a visionary entrepreneur, saw its potential. He acquired Kradepohlsmühle and transformed it into a thriving paper mill. Imagine the clatter of machinery, the rhythmic pulsing of the steam engine, the air thick with the aroma of pulp and paper. Wachendorff’s enterprise flourished, growing from a small operation with a handful of workers to a modern factory employing over 240 people by the late 20th century. For generations, Kradepohlsmühle provided livelihoods for families in the area, its success intertwined with the growth of Bergisch Gladbach. Today, the paper production has ceased but the spirit of Kradepohlsmühle lives on. As you stroll through the area, you can almost hear the whispers of its past, the rhythmic clanking of the mill, the laughter of workers during their breaks. Kradepohlsmühle stands as a testament to human ingenuity, a place where the echoes of industry whisper tales of innovation and hard work.