After the research of Jodocus Hermann Nünning in the beginning of the 18th century there are no more sources for archaeological excavations or research at the Düwelsteene until the start of the 20th century. Letters from the 1920 show, that the local heritage organisation wanted to preserve the Düwelsteene by fencing the area and restoring the monument.
In the beginning of the 1920s the local heritage organisation (Verein für Heimatpflege, now Heimatverein Heiden 1921 e.V.) of Heiden is believed to have done excavations without any archaeological supervision. The finds, consisting of pottery, flint artefacts, cremation remains and a copper trinket, were given to the landlord Hugo Hinsken in Heiden. In 1930 the finds were purchased by the Essener Ruhrmuseum and they are still part of their collection today.
In a letter from March 2nd 1922 by a Professor Wegner, he states that a student told him, the Düwelsteene are planned to be restored by a Professor Bruhns from Essen. He is unsure if the stones are planned to be restored at another place or just set upright in the place they have been found in. He does not think a restoration of the megalithic tomb is appropriate. In the letter he also declares that there are twenty megalithic stones at the site. While he seems to be against a restoration, he still wrote to the county curator of Westphalia, to try and save the Düwelsteene from further destruction.
In a letter from May 16th 1926 a teacher named Wischerhoff, member of the local heritage organisation of Heiden, wrote to the county curator of Westphalia, Dr. Reichling, that the Düwelsteene are neglected and are being destroyed. He pleads for a fence to enclose the structure after “revising” the tomb and rebuilding it while “ensuring its original condition” and thus save the megalithic grave from more destruction. He mentions an excavation around 25 years ago, in which nothing of worth was found. The letter ends with the request for permission to restore the Düwelsteene and the suggestion, that the local heritage organisation of Heiden has competent members, so the restoration would be done carefully without any more destruction.
Letter with the request for restoration and preservation of the Düwelsteene (Image: LWL Alterumskommission für Westfalen)
In an answer to the local heritage organisation of Heiden by an unidentified county architect from May 21st 1926, he states that while he appreciates the work and actions to preserve the monument, he is apprehensive on the idea to fence off the megalithic site. He explains, that fencing off the area does not hinder wilful destruction of the megalithic tomb. Instead, he suggests a more diligent care given to the site and its surrounding area, which would lead hikers and visitors to treat the site with more regard. His answer on the question of restoration, is not a complete rejection, but he would like the local heritage organisation of Heiden to send in a detailed plan and sketches depicting the ideas of the restoration first, before any changes are made on site.
These letters show the wish for a restoration of the Düwelsteene by the local heritage organisation of Heiden, which was fulfilled in 1932, when the archaeological excavation by August Stieren, lead to its restoration afterwards.