Eagle-Pharmacy

In the charming town of Stolberg, nestled in the heart of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, lies a historical gem that has withstood the test of time—the Eagle-Pharmacy, locally known as Adler-Apotheke. This two-story building, constructed in the 16th century, has evolved from a copper master's manor to a significant landmark that encapsulates the rich history and architectural beauty of Stolberg.

The Birth of a Copper Manor

The story of the Eagle-Pharmacy begins in 1571 when Leonhard Schleicher, a copper master from Aachen, acquired a plot of land at what is now Burgstraße 21, just a stone's throw from the imposing Stolberg Castle. By 1575, Schleicher had established a copper manor, famously known as Schleichers Hof. At that time, it stood as one of the few stone buildings in Stolberg, alongside the castle, and its dated wall anchors still exist today.

Schleichers Hof was the first copper manor in Stolberg, strategically utilizing the water supply from the Siefbach stream, which originates from the Hastenrather heights and flows through the copper manors Seifenhof Rose and Fingerhut. The success of Schleichers Hof spurred the local lord Johann von Efferen to invite more copper masters to settle in the area, laying the foundation for Stolberg's emergence as a leading global city in the brass industry.

Even after Leonhard Schleicher's death in 1606, the building remained in the family for many years, although its significance as a copper manor gradually diminished over time.

Transformation into a Land Pharmacy

In 1750, the Schleicher family sold the house, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the building. That same year, Stolberg's first land pharmacy was established within its walls. The Hausmann family, who acquired the building, named it Adler-Apotheke. Despite holding a concession to operate the pharmacy, Stefan Hausmann and his mother Johanna Mechtildis lacked formal training as pharmacists.

The introduction of Prussian pharmacy laws in the Rhineland in 1815 posed a significant challenge for the Hausmanns. They were given an ultimatum to either close the pharmacy or appoint a qualified pharmacist to take over. Although a contract was signed with a pharmacist from Maastricht, the arrangement appears to have been short-lived. By 1816, the local mayor supported the closure of the pharmacy due to its poor condition, and a new proprietor was sought.

The Welter Family Era

On May 20, 1816, pharmacist Gerhard Jakob Welter obtained the concession to operate the Eagle-Pharmacy, paying an annual fee of twenty Cologne Reichstaler. Welter, who had previously run a pharmacy in Eschweiler, quickly revitalized the business. By 1821, the pharmacy received commendation from the royal government after an inspection.

However, competition loomed in 1827 when a pharmacist from Nideggen applied to open a pharmacy in Kornelimünster, which was part of Welter's service area. In response, Welter applied to establish a branch pharmacy in Kornelimünster. Although he managed to prevent the establishment of the competing pharmacy initially, by 1835, Joseph Pauls was permitted to open his own pharmacy in Kornelimünster.

Financial difficulties ensued for Welter due to the loss of many markets for Stolberg's brass industry. He was forced to dismiss his assistant, retaining only a lower-paid apprentice. On February 11, 1857, Welter sold the Eagle-Pharmacy to his son Ludwig Adolf, who had worked there for several years. Ludwig Adolf paid his father 14,000 thalers and later, after his father's death, an additional 9,500 thalers for the house and its contents. Tragically, Ludwig Adolf died of a heart attack in 1878, and his assistant Anton Jungboldt temporarily took over the pharmacy until April 1880.

Johann Gerhard Eduard Welter, Ludwig Adolf's nephew, eventually inherited the pharmacy. Although initially only an assistant pharmacist, he was allowed to purchase the pharmacy, which was managed by Jungboldt and Sieberichs until Johann Gerhard Eduard completed his pharmaceutical studies. Significant renovations were undertaken, and by August 3, 1898, the pharmacy returned to its original building after being temporarily relocated due to space constraints.

Modern Times and Preservation

Without heirs, Johann Gerhard Eduard Welter sold the Eagle-Pharmacy for 260,000 marks to Joseph Hollmeyer, who made further modifications to the residential areas while keeping the business area intact. On October 1, 1928, pharmacist Karl Schwarz acquired the Eagle-Pharmacy. Schwarz, who had worked there between 1919 and 1922 and managed it since 1926, retired in 1961. The Eagle-Pharmacy continued to operate until its closure on September 1, 1971.

Today, the protected monument serves as a residential building. This two-story structure, with a footprint of approximately 10 by 17 meters, features a street-facing facade with five window axes and a central entrance. The window frames are crafted from stone, and the upper section of the door lintel boasts an iron grille adorned with an eagle emblem. Above the door, a gilded figure of an eagle with outstretched wings graces the facade.

The saddle roof, also two stories high, includes two rows of dormer windows aligned with the window axes. The roof is flanked by stepped gables on both sides, adding to the building's architectural charm.

In conclusion, the Eagle-Pharmacy in Stolberg is more than just a historical building; it is a testament to the town's rich heritage and its evolution from a copper manor to a significant landmark. Its walls echo stories of resilience and transformation, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.