lohgerberhaus

Of which this strange name is derived from is to be found in the old Salbüchern (Court books) of Rhens: housing register of 17th and 18th century in which is at present the very narrow area between the embankment and the Rhine, today known as "Lohloch" (a historic designation area for a specific type of forest, namely an open deciduous forest structure in which people would settle). Here were several houses and farm buildings situated of Rhenser tanners who prospered early 17th century thus gaining a certain wealth. As in most cities in medieval and early modern times tanners, due to their trade associated water pollution, usually settled where the urban waters left the city wall. In Rhens, this was the Mühlbach, which then ran behind the House and left the city wall again halfway between Rhine and Josefstor. The stream provided the city with drinking water, but also tanners were dependent on running water: in a Lohmühle oak bark was milled for the tanning of hides and skins but also the tanning itself required as well as polluted large quantities of fresh water. In addition, moreover tanning produced as well malodorous gases which made “Lohloch” area a non-preferable residential area. Due to the construction of the railway line in 1858-1861 14 houses were demolished, nearly all buildings in “Lohloch” area. The sole survivor was this beautiful half-timbered house built in 1629 by Abraham Schmitz, called Löhr (Löher: tanners) and endures almost 150 years the dirt and vibrations of trains rumbling past in Minutentakt (minute intervals). Unintentionally ironic its inscription refers on the plight of the House which, although almost entirely bereft of its effect, is one of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in the city of Rhens.