During the great town fire on October 31, 1822, 131 houses were engulfed by flames within two hours. No people were harmed, but food and livestock feed were burned.
The inhabitants of the neighboring villages helped with whatever food supplies they could spare. The people of Schmallenberg cooked porridge from the donated potatoes, millet, haver and rye to ensure their survival. The one-sided diet is said to have led to porridge bellies.
Since then, the people of Schmallenberg have been called "De Schmallenberger Breybälge" by their neighbors. The sculpture commemorates this difficult time and the neighborly help.