The Manspach Mill

In Manspach, the horse-driven oil mill represents an original alternative to the region's hydraulic mills. Probably dating from the 18th century and mentioned in 1849, it remained operational until the late 1930s. Its operation relied on the driving force of a horse, which turned a vertical millstone on a stone basin-shaped table called a conche or trough. This setup allowed the crushing of various oilseeds such as poppy, hempseed, rapeseed, sunflower, and walnuts, producing oil on a small scale.

These horse-driven oil mills were once numerous in Sundgau, with nearly forty in the area. Their decline began in the early 20th century and accelerated after World War I due to several factors: horse requisitions, the arrival of electricity, the decrease of local walnut trees, changes in extraction techniques, and competition from industrial oils. Their often seasonal operation and lack of official records explain why few traces remain in archives.

Today, the Manspach oil mill, owned by the municipality, offers a tangible testimony to this artisanal process. Its relatively sophisticated installation for the time included a separate driving chamber where the horse worked. Separated from the production area for hygiene reasons, it also housed a wooden gear system that amplified the millstone's rotation, optimizing crushing efficiency.

Group visits can be arranged upon request.