Already in 1394 a communal bakery was mentioned in Wackernheim. The last one was built around 1840, after the old oven and building had fallen into very poor condition. According to old tradition, the house along with the oven and garden was leased to a baker for an annual rent. The baker was responsible for the maintenance of the bakery. The stone oven was attached to the north side of the house. To the east was the associated bakery garden. The baker produced the desired number of loaves of bread from the flour brought to him by the people of Wackernheim. In addition, he baked already prepared cakes. The price for the baked goods was set by the community. The last community baker, Heinrich Bröde, practiced his craft until the end of the 1960s of the 20th century.
By the way: When the new building was erected in 1840, there was an option to equip the oven additionally with a fruit dryer to produce the dried fruits that were important for nutrition in winter. It is not documented whether this option was realized.
