Jarošův mlýn Museum building

Welcome to the Squirrel Witch. You are standing right in front of a place that carries deep peace and a fascinating story of human effort and tradition. Before your eyes is Jarošův mlýn, a historical object that has dominated this part of the landscape for decades. Please feel this atmosphere. Do you feel how you are dealing with a past here that is not just a simple record in textbooks, but a living part of this space? This mill is not just a building made of wood and stone, it is a witness of many centuries that has survived changes in times, technological revolution and the fate of individual families. Before you go any further, stop for a moment and just look at his presence. Feel its stability and how firmly it has planted its roots in this country.

Let's move further into time together and understand where this mill really comes from. The first clues that lead us to this place are surprisingly old. The first mention of Jaroš's mill dates back to the year six hundred thirty-five. Imagine a world back then, a world where the mill was the key point of every village. It wasn't just a machine, it was the heart of the community, a place where people met, where grain was processed and where there was a foundation for the survival of many families. Since then, centuries have passed, nearly everything around us has changed since the year six hundred and thirty-five, but this miller object is still here and still teaches us about the history of its craft. It's a fascinating idea that you stand by something that was a part of life over 300 years ago.

Now pay attention to the very form of the building you are currently observing. Although the roots of the mill are very deep, the form you see right now is the result of a very specific and important period. Pay attention to the appearance of your eyes. Between a thousand and nine hundred and thirty-seven and a thousand and nine hundred and thirty-eight, there was a major reconstruction which breathed into the mill its present character. It is interesting that despite its importance and uniqueness, we do not know the names of the particular architects who oversaw this reconstruction. Yet in every detail of his present form we can feel the effort for harmony and functionality. Feel how the older traditions combine in this construction with the modern idea of what modern, efficient miller traffic should look like. This reconstruction was a key moment that allowed the mill to move into a new era and to retain its dignity even in the difficult times that followed.

However, this transformation was not only the unknown plan, but, above all, specific people. And that's where history meets a personal story. This fundamental reconstruction was not random, it was an initiative of the Jaros family. Pay attention to the names that are inherent in this place. Blanka Jarošová and Maxmilián Jaroš were the ones who decided that the mill would get its present form. Imagine their courage and their vision. It wasn't just the owners, it was the people who put their energy, their efforts and their care into this place so that the mill could continue to serve and excel. Their names today carry this object to the next generation. It is thanks to their decision and their work that we can today admire this unique miller object that has become a symbol of their family's determination and love of craft.

You may now wonder how this historical object has behaved until today. The answer lies in its immense value, which the government also recognised. In the year two thousand and two, Jarošův mlýn was officially declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This is proof that the place you are standing in front of is not just an ordinary building, but an untouchable heritage of our culture. This protection allows us to see the mill today not only as a historical object, but also as a fascinating museum of miller craft. Today you can explore the grinding technique and understand how complex and fascinating the process became with the processing of the grain. It is a way back to a time when people had to work closely in line with the natural forces and mechanical principles that helped them.

There's one more thing that might interest you if you look at this whole thing. Jarošův mlýn is not only a static museum, it is a place where history meets technical precision. It is a fascinating contrast between ancient craft, which is rooted in the seventeenth century, and technical equipment that has been improved for centuries. This continuity, this constant movement from old to new, is what makes this place so special. Every element you see here is the result of the long evolution of the milling industry.

Now I won't keep you any longer. A world full of history, technology and human stories opens up before you. I invite you to come in, explore the space and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of this unique museum. Let yourself be inspired by the work of Blanka and Maximilian Jaros and try to find in every detail a reflection of that ancient time. Enjoy your tour and I believe that Jarošův mlýn will leave you with an unforgettable impression and new views of the history of our craft. Thank you for being with us.