Dithmarschen farmstead becomes derelict because of planning restrictions: Wehren, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
I first photographed it in B&W in 1978 when it was still somewhat functional as a farm barn. So when next in the area in 2005, I looked for it again and found it as this - abandoned, because it was not allowed to be sold as a residence to be restored - the local authority planning to keep the area fully rural.
Then in 2014 as I was researching and writing a family history, I was stunned to discover this was the very building in which my great great great grandfather (Frantz Stebens aka Franz Staeben) was employed as the leatherworker/saddler, and where he lived with his wife and where they raised their family. They were married in 1797, and all their children (including my great great grandfather) were born in the residential end of the building. It was that Great Great Grandfather who migrated to Australia in 1865 with his wife and 8 children, 2 grandchildren and daughter-in-law.
I will always be amazed that I just happened to photograph this building in 1978!
Dithmarschen farmstead becomes derelict because of planning restrictions: Wehren, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
I first photographed it in B&W in 1978 when it was still somewhat functional as a farm barn. So when next in the area in 2005, I looked for it again and found it as this - abandoned, because it was not allowed to be sold as a residence to be restored - the local authority planning to keep the area fully rural.
Then in 2014 as I was researching and writing a family history, I was stunned to discover this was the very building in which my great great great grandfather (Frantz Stebens aka Franz Staeben) was employed as the leatherworker/saddler, and where he lived with his wife and where they raised their family. They were married in 1797, and all their children (including my great great grandfather) were born in the residential end of the building. It was that Great Great Grandfather who migrated to Australia in 1865 with his wife and 8 children, 2 grandchildren and daughter-in-law.
I will always be amazed that I just happened to photograph this building in 1978!