1562
Die Mühle wird erstmals urkundlich erwähnt. Zu dieser Zeit handelt es sich um eine LohmühleThe mill is mentioned in historical records for the first time. At this time, it is a tannery mill (Lohmühle), used to process tree bark (“Lohe”) for tanning leather.
1684
After the destruction caused by the Thirty Years’ War, the ruined tannery mill is rebuilt by Sonntag Kneip, Leonhard Müller, Matthiaß Brüß and Hanß Nickel Eisenbahrt.
1752
Peter Kneip builds a new tannery mill.
1769
Under Peter Kneip, the present-day mill building is constructed, combining the family residence with an integrated oil mill. This building has survived to the present day.
1775
A hereditary lease is issued for a sawmill.
1787
The hereditary lease is transferred to Jacob Kneip.
1800
A grain mill is additionally installed in the basement of the residence
Ab 1800 bis heute
For generations, the oil mill has remained in the ownership of the descendants of Jakob Altpeter. Its owners have included:
- Jakob Altpeter
- Conrad Altpeter
- Oskar Guthörl
- Adolf Büch
- Elke und Klaus Reimann
- Anika und Dr. Peter Reimann
Um 1900
Historic photographs show Luise Katharina and Conrad Altpeter at the oil mill. The mill is converted to electric power using a 4-hp electric motor. 4-PS-Elektromotor umgestellt.
1926
The grain mill ceases operation.
1929
Water rights for operating the mill are applied for for the last time.
1939
Operation of the oil mill comes to an end.
1957 und 1964
The former agricultural buildings are converted into two residential houses.
1971
The oil mill is added to the Saarland register of historic monuments. The owners continue to maintain and preserve the mill.
1999
Extensive restoration work begins.
2000
The mill residence is also placed under monument protection. In the same year, the Förderverein der Ölmühle Berschweiler (Friends of the Berschweiler Oil Mill) is founded. The association continues to support the preservation of the historic site and to share its history with visitors. Förderverein der Ölmühle Berschweiler gegründet, der sich bis heute für den Erhalt und die Vermittlung des Kulturdenkmals engagiert.
2000 und 2006
In 2000, the restoration receives official recognition from the Saarland heritage authorities. In 2006, the oil mill is awarded the Saarland Heritage Conservation Prize for its exemplary restoration.
2013-2017:
The historic residence is restored by Anika and Dr. Peter Reimann.
2019
The oil mill celebrates its 250th anniversary with a major festival featuring an open-air cinema, a traditional coffee gathering and a nest-box building activity.
2024
The oil mill takes part in the celebrations marking 800 years of Berschweiler.
