In 763, Freimersheim had its first documentary mention in a document from Lorsch Abbey, and through most of its history was an abbey possession. The name comes from Frimâr, and means “Frimâr’s (and his kin’s) settlement”. Belonging to the Amt of Alzey, Freimersheim was under Electoral Palatinate’s ownership from the High Middle Ages until the French Revolution.
Over the years, Freimersheim has been called by a number of varying names, including Frimersheim (763), Frigmersheim (770), Freimaresheim (790), Vreimersheim (1263), Frimirsheim (1281), Freysenn (1294), Frymersheim (1303) and Freymershaim (1337). At the end of the 18th century, it was called Freimersheim hinter der Warte (“behind the Warte”, a mountain), to distinguish it from Framersheim.[3]
In 2003, after long debates within the administration, Freimersheim at last acquired a sewer system, which was completed in late 2007.
Politics
Municipal council
The council is made up of 12 council members, who were elected by majority vote at the municipal election held on 7 June 2009, and the honorary mayor as chairman.[4]
Mayors
Hiltrud Neu (…–2004)
Wilfried Brück (2004–2019)
Jacques Garrido (2019–present)
Coat of arms
The municipality’s arms might be described thus: Argent a lion rampant Or armed, langued and crowned gules, in his paws the letter F argent.
Culture and sightseeing
Buildings
Freimersheim has two churches, a Catholic one from the 13th century, and an Evangelical one with a Stumm organ. Another, small, attraction is offered by a wooden house built in rustic style in imitation of the original Freimersheim timber-frame houses. The inside, however, has thus far not been finished. There is further a well preserved water cistern from the 19th century to view, built on a hill next to the railway tracks. It has been being restored since 2006 by private citizens.
Sport
Besides a sporting ground, Freimersheim also has a hiking area. The football club TV Freimersheim, with some 300 members, is active in youth work.
Until 1993, showers were forbidden in Freimersheim by the local authorities. This quaintness stemmed from a bylaw that had been prompted by a water shortage in the mid 19th century, called the Verbot über den Gebrauch frei fallenden Wassers zum Zwecke der flächigen Reinigung (“Ban on the use of free-falling water for the purpose of cleaning surfaces”).