Treasure Chest

The Mill of Josip and Roza Sever

Located in Prigorec, this mill was the first near the spring and was entirely constructed of wood. The mill ceased operation in 1980. Today, architectural remnants, such as parts of the foundation, still exist. Despite the high velocity of the water flowing at the confluence here, wooden remnants of the chute that directed water onto the mill wheel can still be observed from the side.

Of the movable material evidence of the mill’s existence, only two metal containers (measuring cups) remain—one holding half a litre and the other a full litre—both bearing a stamped seal, confirming the accuracy of their volume. All millers received compensation for their work or services in kind, called ušur (toll or fee), and for this, they used metal containers (measuring containers).

All movable mechanisms were once made of carefully selected wood. Wooden gears were most often crafted from the extremely hard wood of the cornelian cherry (drenjak or drenek). The cornelian cherry is a long-lived plant, capable of living over 200 years, and its wood is exceptionally hard, which is why it was used for making various handles and furniture parts.

In folklore, the cornelian cherry (drenek) holds multiple symbolic meanings. Revered as the "wood of health," it was believed to possess supernatural properties. Even today, it is still a metaphor for health. It was thought to protect against lightning strikes, curses, and witches, while washing with water in which a cornelian cherry twig had been soaked was believed to promote health and enhance one’s complexion.