​1. Die Steinmühle
Die Steinmühle wurde 1303 als Getreidemühle von den Zisterziensermönchen aus dem Kloster Zinn erbaut und von diesen betrieben. Bis 1766 wurde die Mühle als Getreidemühle genutzt, bis der damalige Mühlenmeister eine Genehmigung zur Anlegung einer Schneidemühle (Sägewerk) erhielt.
1845 wurde sie wieder abgerissen und danach als Ölmühle wiederaufgebaut. Ende 19. Jahrhunderts wurde auf Dampfkraft erweitert und die Mühle zur Strohpapierstoff-Fabrik umgebaut. Sie wurde auch weiter als Dampfmühle genutzt. 1918 firmiert die Mühle als „G. Thiele Steinmühle“. Inhaber war Emil Gericke, der Schwiegersohn von G.Thiele. 1934 wurde die Dampfmaschine durch einen Motor ersetzt und die Mühle vergrößert.
Olympic village in 1936 in Elstal
The Olympic Village, where the athletes during the Olympic Games from 1. until August 16, 1936, the aim was to create a relaxing oasis far away from the hustle and bustle. The planning management was entrusted to the architect Werner March, who had already been commissioned for the Reichssportfeld and the Olympic Stadium. A suitable site was found not far west of Berlin, near Döberitz on a site made available by the German Wehrmacht - the landlord was thus the Reich Minister of War.
The entire complex, around 540,000 m², was landscaped according to the ideas of the team of architects and of course those of the Nazi leadership. Large amounts of earth were moved to create an upper and a lower part of the village, hills and a lake. In order to bring this artificial nature to life, a large number of water birds and animals were brought in from the Berlin zoo.
About 15 buildings were built on the site. Only male athletes were accommodated here (3,738).
There was even a large theater hall in the Hindenburghaus. It was also used for concerts, theater and film screenings.
Training facilities were also thought of on the site. Even with real competition dimensions. There was a gym next to the sports field with a cinder track. The highlight was a swimming pool with 25 m lanes, the windows of which could even be opened electrically.
The village was closely guarded during the games. Women were not allowed in! After the games, as planned, an infantry school in the building. The dining house became a modern hospital during the war. The Hindenburghaus became one Lecture hall.
In 1945 the Red Army moved into the building. In principle, it used all properties between Potsdam and Falkensee. Specifically the Sports facilities in the Olympic Village were used by the SASK (Soviet Army Sports Club) as a performance center.
In 1985 I visited my wife's grandpa, who lived in a housing estate in Elstal near Wustermark. I had heard of the rumors that the Olympic Village is supposed to be here. The grandpa, as a newcomer, unfortunately knew nothing about it. My 6 month old daughter cried there all the time. That was of course the reason to go out with the stroller as disguise. On the way where I assumed the village was, I went through a grove. More and more Russians came to us, mostly in civilian clothes with women and children. That was scary. Somehow we (most of the GDR citizens) were afraid of the "occupiers". But they only went for a walk. It was the weekend. At some point I saw a barracks gate with guards. There was no progress there. The Olympic village was behind the barrier and the area was surrounded by a high wall. Of course, I didn't dare to ask the guards. And to be honest, I was too scared and turned around again.
