Mikveh
The mikveh, the Jewish ritual bath belonging to the Jewish Community of Echzell, was located at the head of Mühlgasse, slightly behind the first row of houses. The address is Mühlgasse 4. At that time it was near the Horloff River, which flowed through the village until the 1950s.
It is not known when the mikveh was built. It was abandoned in 1928 due to deterioration.
In July 1936, the Mayor of Echzell wrote the following to the county office in Büdingen:
Re: The women’s bath of the Jewish Community Echzell
The women’s bath of the Jewish community Echzell is in such extremely deteriorated condition that it seriously detracts from the image of the village. For this reason, the Public Works Office Büdingen has already taken steps to contact the Jewish Community of Echzell and has threatened compulsory measures. It is our opinion that the building must be demolished. To this end, it would be appropriate to allow the Jewish Community to sell the building property. Finding someone interested in the property should not be difficult. To what extent the proceeds from this can be applied to the already outspent pauper relief and care-giving expenses for Jewish residents, we leave to your discretion.
In a “written confirmation” from 1950 – purpose and addressee are unknown – the then chairman of the local court remembers it thus:
Written Confirmation!
It is hereby certified that the former BATH HOUSE, Mühlgasse 4, formerly belonging to the Jewish community of Echzell, and purchased in 1936 by Franz Krieb of Echzell, has, to my knowledge not been used for ritual purposes since I took office in Echzell in 1928. The building was in extremely poor repair; because of large holes in the half-timbered building it was used by the children as a playground. In addition, part of the roof was missing, and it could only be torn down.
The Chairman of the Local Court!
Today there is a residence on this property.