Scrapbook of places and persons in my genealogy. You will need to click on the "BACK" button on your browser to return here and view more pictures. Pictures from Germany used with permission of William D. Roudabush of Bowie, Maryland who visited the mill in 1987.

Postcard from the area around Steinsfurt, Germany showing the general type of architecture.

Another picture of the area around Steinsfurt, Germany.

Picture of Where Steinsfurt is in relation to Sinseim and Rohrbach Germany.

This is a local map of Steinsfurt and where the mill is that was owned by Hans Peter Raudenbusch.

Somewhat grainy photo of the yard near Hans Peter Raudenbusch's mill

This is the stream that runs the operations of the mill.

Another view of the same watercourse.

Third view of the same mill race.

As you can see, the stream was diverted centuries ago for the sole purpose of gaining enough power to power the millstones.

In this picture, the mill race runs under the left side of the structure. The building is remarkably well-preserved.

To insure that the proper quantity of water was running the mill, a water control gate exists.

This is another view from inside of the mill showing the water control gate.

Peter Raudenbusch obviously worked long to construct and divert the flow of the stream to operate the mill. This is another view of the water control gate.

This is the lead to the mill.

Another view of the mill race.

As of 1987, the mill was in daily operation.

How many buildings have been in constant operation for over 340 years?

One of the support beams and other equipment for the mill.

These are the two original millstones used by Hans Peter Raudenbusch in the 1600's.

Hans Peter Raudenbusch was also very religious. While the Thirty Years' War raged throughout Europe, the Raudenbusch family met and held church services in secret areas under the house and mill. They were Reformed in faith while much of the area was under Catholic rulership. Reformed and Catholic were in direct opposition to each other, and many millions of people died on both sides of the 30 Years' War. Very few families were untouched by the battle.

Another view of the secret areas under the mill. One has to appreciate the devotion of Raudenbusch to build such a structure underground.

A detail of one of the supports for the basement of the mill. This type of Christian cross was popular during the medieval ages- a variation of the Celtic Cross.

This is a picture of the mill and house built by Hans Peter Raudenbusch.

Another view of the house and it's proximity to the mill.

Closer view of the mill and mill race.

Courtyard across from the mill and house.

Device and inscription on the house.

Home of Hans Michael Raudenbusch.

View across the street from the home of Hans Michael Raudenbusch.

Foundation built in 1676.

Building detail on HMR's home. Somewhere in the upright beam is the date.

Copyright 2003, Michael Habersack, Sr. I have gained permission for the use of these pictures from the photographer directly, and the pictures or other work is not to be cut and pasted into any other web or publication without the permission of the original photographer along with my permission.