More German windmills

Because of the simple principles of windmills operation, over the last one thousand years, windmills became commonly made all around the world.
Modern windmills as we know them today started first appearing around 8th and 9th century in middle east and Western Asia. Initially popularized by Muslims, windmills soon arrived in India, China and Europe, where they went through several cycles of incredible innovation. Two countries that were home of the most wind mills were England and Netherlands, but many other European countries also adopted windmills and their usefulness. - in: http://www.historyofwindmills.com

 

© Schöning GmbH & Co. KG 

All these mills, the 25 on this first card and the other two, are all from northern Germany. Erika offered to swap again and she sent me wonderful cards.

The predecessor of today's "Sterrenberg" windmill in Upgant-Schott, in Lower Saxony, dates back to 1569. It was a post windmill that stood until 1880 and was demolished after today's mill was completed. The three-storey Dutch mill, which was then still thatched, burned down to the stump in 1934, but was rebuilt in the same year. In 1991 the mill was shut down. The Upgant-Schott mill association and the last master miller, August Brüderle, ensured that the mill was renovated and is open to visitors today. 

 

The only Dutch windmill on the island of Usedom is in Benz; it was built in 1863. The mill has become known beyond national borders as a motif by the German-American artist Lyonel Feininger. 

It was in operation until 1971 and then the painter Otto Niemeyer-Holstein acquired it. Since December 2002 the mill blades have been turning again.