Historian of stonecraft discusses the heritage of the stonecutting factory
In the heart of Steinhagen, a small town in Germany known for its tradition of producing Steinhäger, a type of gin with a protected designation of origin, Paula Mescher gained a unique understanding of the town's past.
Eight or nine years ago, Paula, then a member of the 4th ladies of Spvg handball team, took a tour of Steinhagen. The tour was led by the late chairman Gerhard Goldbecker, a local historian and a key figure in the town's history.
During this tour, Paula learned about Steinhagen's rich distillery history. The town once boasted a significant number of distilleries, specifically 20, as she discovered. This revelation was a significant part of her understanding of Steinhagen's past.
However, it's important to note that Paula has no personal experience operating a store in Steinhagen. The store she refers to, located in the Historical Museum of Steinhagen, was never in operation during her time. Her knowledge of the store comes solely from her visits to the museum.
Despite this, the tour provided Paula with valuable insights into Steinhagen's history. The town's distilleries date back several centuries, with some established as early as the 17th century. One of the most famous distilleries was started in the 19th century and became a major producer of Steinhäger gin.
Although many distilleries have existed and ceased operations over time, the Steinhäger gin remains a notable cultural product of the region. The legacy of these distilleries continues to shape Steinhagen's identity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town's past.
While the exact operational timeline of Aunt Paula's store (if it indeed refers to a distillery or related establishment) in relation to Paula Mescher's time may require consultation of local historical records or family histories specific to the Mescher family in Steinhagen, the impact of Paula's tour on her understanding of Steinhagen's distillery history is undeniable.
Paula Mescher's fascination with Steinhagen's history extended to its home-and-garden lifestyle, particularly appreciating the town's beautiful landscapes that were once cultivated to surround the numerous distilleries. Today, she envisions rejuvenating such home-and-garden aesthetics as part of her ideal lifestyle in her Steinhagen home.
