Benninghoff Gahlen Watermill

In 1950, the newly founded local history association campaigned for the de-silting of the pond and for the restoration of the mill wheel. The association justified the implementation of the measures by the importance of the mill pond as a firefighting water reservoir and attraction for foreign visitors. The Benninghoff family, owners of the village mill since the second half of the 19th century, stopped grinding bread grain in 1955. The bakery was also closed. For about two years, the mill was only used for grinding grain for the farmers of Gahlen.
From 1960, the post office and the municipal savings bank in Hünxe used the front extension, while three apartments were built in the rear part. In 1975, the factory building, which was now white, was finally completely converted into a residential building (LVR Environmental Department, 2012).
In 1972, the last owner of the mill, Ernst Benninghoff, had the 5.80-metre-high mill wheel with its 56 blades restored. A millstone was donated to the "Haus der Heimat" in Dinslaken. Since then, the mill - picturesquely embedded in a complex consisting of a village church, a tree-lined pond, green areas and natural stone fountains - has been attracting weekend relaxation enthusiasts in Lippedorf in droves.

The mill wheel, which now belongs to the municipality of Schermbeck, is taken care of by the local history association.

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