Öjebro
Cultural history
Öjebro is a mill village located on both sides of the Svartån, where the road between Linköping and Skänninge crosses the river.
The history of the village dates back at least to the 13th century when the Skänninge leprosy hospital collected taxes from a mill it owned in the village. In 1760, it was written: By this stream in the parish of Herrberga, there are 8 noble and 7 crown flour mills established, as well as a sawmill and a hammer mill.
Over the years, there have been several businesses in the village, such as a flax soaking facility, spinning mills, dye works, blacksmiths, carpentries, tailors, wool soaking, shoemakers, and saddlers, among others. At the end of the 19th century, around 450 people lived in the village, which required several shops, as well as some less necessary ones, such as beer houses and illegal spirits sales.
Electric power came to the village early; as early as 1885, the watch case factory in Pilkvarn received arc lamps, and later some of the nearby businesses did as well. In 1902-03, the power station in Knutsbro was built, and in 1910-11 the station in Öjebro, thus draining the stream of freely flowing water, leaving the last two mills and the Backesågen without their source of power. The sawmill was electrified and AB Knutsbro power station built the electric mill in 1911, which was in operation until 1969. The mill is now a museum and has an exhibition about the village's history.
Öjebro Local Heritage Association is responsible for maintaining the buildings owned by Mjölby Municipality, including the local heritage center Märtastugan, Gropestallet, Brygghuset, Sågen, Nötaren, Elkvarnen, and the Fire Station, as well as the meadow Pinalyckan.
In the fire station, there is the vehicle purchased in 1931 by Herrbega Volunteer Fire Brigade as a truck, which was converted into a fire truck by local craftsmen. The vehicle is now restored, inspected, and ready to drive after having stood still for over 50 years.
Don't miss Öjebro Day in August when all the museum yards are open, and there are tons of events throughout the village.
Öjebro stone arch bridge
This bridge is probably the first thing that most people think of when mentioning Öjebro. Usually, one only sees the roadway on a bridge, but here you have the fortune to travel parallel with the old bridge. Hardly any changes have been made since it was built in 1797 and can thus be considered unique in Sweden. In 1925, a demolition was proposed, but the National Heritage Board was notified, and after a long struggle, nine years later, 15,000 kronor was allocated to renovate it. In the mid-1930s, a new bridge was built, which in turn has now been demolished and replaced by another new bridge built at the end of the 1980s.
The old stone arch bridge is 65 meters long and has eight spans with strong stone piers facing the current. When it was built, it was much more powerful than its wooden predecessor, which burned down in the 1790s. The bridge was designed by the land surveyor Adam Wadman, who also took the opportunity to honor King Gustav IV Adolf with one of the granite piers. In 1958, the bridge was completely closed to all motor traffic.
Contact and find your way here
Hultet Öjebro, Mantorp
Phone: 072-333 24 91
Website: Öjebroortens Hembygdsförening, at hembygd.se
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