Wilhelm-Busch-Mill Ebergoetzen

image author: Göttinger Tageblatt

Did you know,

  • that Wilhelm Busch has lived in Ebergötzen as a child for 5 years?
  • that the lifelong friendship to miller Erich Bachmann influenced his works?
  • that the annual visits to the 'old rumble mill' were of great importance to Wilhelm Busch?
  • that Wilhelm Busch, described the miller as his 'greatest and oldest friend'?

image author: Wilhelm Busch - gemeinfrei

Wilhelm Busch

The world-famous humorist Wilhelm Busch was an important painter, illustrator and poet. He is seen, mostly in the German-speaking area, as the pioneer of the comics.

Wilhelm Busch was given to the Ebergötzer pastor Georg Kleine to further his education at the age of 9 years. Together with the same-age son of miller Erich Bachmann, Wilhelm Busch conquered the village. The children's friendship turned into a lifelong connection. 'The mill, which has received me always warmly since childhood...' there, these two have renewed their special friendship again and again.

image author: Max und Moritz - gemeinfrei

Max and Moritz

The experiences of the two friends Wilhelm Busch and Erich Bachmannbecame the source of 'Max and Moritz'. 'Some of it really happened', remembers Wilhelm Busch later. The footbridge over which tailor Böck walked and the widow Bolte's house were situated in close proximity to the mill. Ebergötzen even had a teacher Lämpel on offer. Undisputed, Unbestritten 'Max and Moritz' look very similar to Wilhelm and Erich.

The stories about the two mischievous boys are known around the world. In our book exhibition, you can discover translations from nearly all corners of the world.