“Zum Andenken an die Sloman-Siedlung” it reads. This is the Sloman-Gedenkstein Stone. It stands as a humble yet poignant reminder of a bygone era. We’re standing on the school’s playground. This stone marks the spot of the former Sloman-Siedlung.
But who was Sloman and why is this Siedlung, or settlement, so important? Let’s journey back to the late 18th century. Captain William Sloman arrived in Hamburg from England. In 1791 he obtained his Buergerrechte, the rights of citizenship. Two years later, he established a ship brokerage.
His son, Robert Miles Sloman, took over after his father’s death. Robert expanded the business. He entered the package and letter transport industry. To make these trips more profitable, he also transported passengers during the great wave of emigration. By 1838, Robert became a shipowner himself. His son, Robert Miles Sloman Jr., took over the brokerage.
Robert Miles Sloman Jr. played a significant role in Hamburg’s development. He was a member of the Hamburg Parliament from 1864 to 1899. He initiated the construction of around 200 small single-family homes on Veddel for dockworkers and shipyard workers. This was the Sloman-Siedlung.
Construction began in 1878. The Sloman-Siedlung aimed to improve the living conditions of the workers. Sadly, the settlement was demolished in the mid-1920s.
Despite its short lifespan, the Sloman-Siedlung left a lasting impact. Oberbaudirektor Fritz Schumacher redeveloped the area more densely in 1926 and 1927. This was due to the port expansion and the increased need for housing. However, the memory of the Sloman-Siedlung lives on.
The Slomanstrasse and the Slomanstieg still exist. The Grund- und Stadtteilschule Slomanstieg, now known as the Schule auf der Veddel, also carries the name. And here we are, at the Sloman-Gedenkstein Stone.
This small findling, or erratic boulder, stands as a memorial to Robert M. Sloman Jr.’s former settlement. It is located in the northeastern corner of the school’s playground, beneath a tree. Inscribed on the stone are the words “Zum Andenken an die Sloman-Siedlung.” It also shows the years 1878 to 1928, and “Der ehem. Grundeigentuemerverein” which means former landowners association.
The inscription also mentions “Eiche der Colonie 7.10.1934.” This refers to an oak tree of the colony. This stone stands as a reminder of Hamburg’s past. It is a tribute to those who worked in the port and shipyards. It also stands as a testament to the Sloman family’s contribution to the city.
Another Sloman made a name for himself in Hamburg. Henry Brarens Sloman was the grandson of John Miles Sloman. John Miles was the younger brother of Robert Miles. Henry made his fortune with salpeter, which he had mined in Chile. In 1922, he commissioned the famous Chilehaus. He had it designed by Fritz Hoeger.
As you stand before the Sloman-Gedenkstein Stone, take a moment to reflect. Remember the Sloman-Siedlung. Remember the people who lived here. Think about the Sloman family’s legacy in Hamburg. This simple stone holds a wealth of history.