“In Gedenken an die Familie Steinhart” the plaque reads. Its brass surface gleams faintly in the Dresden sunlight. This Kaufhaus Steinhart Plaque is more than just a memorial. It’s a window into a family’s story a story etched in resilience and tragedy.
The plaque commemorates the Steinhart family and their department store. Richard Steinhart a Jewish merchant established his business in Dresden. It started small as a haberdashery around 1906. It grew into a thriving Kaufhaus selling household goods leather goods toys even linoleum. Their clever advertising slogan boasted “Hart wie Stein präg’ Dir ein: Steinhart muss Dein Kaufhaus sein”. It means “Hard as stone impress on yourself Steinhart must be your department store”.
The Steinhart Kaufhaus moved locations several times. Finally settling at Kesselsdorfer Strasse 17. The family lived above the shop at different times. They also owned a second building across the street. There were other businesses nearby including a shoe shop a tobacco store and even a cinema. This was a bustling and thriving street.
But the rise of Nazism cast a long shadow. By 1933 the Steinharts faced increasing restrictions. Non-Jews were forbidden from shopping there. Richard Steinhart was not allowed to fire employees. Profits plummeted. The Nazis froze their bank accounts. In 1938 they were forced to sell their business and property at a greatly reduced price.
The family’s fate was tragic. Richard and Bertha Steinhart were deported to Theresienstadt. Richard died there in 1943. Bertha was sent to Auschwitz and murdered. Their son Kurt was arrested during Kristallnacht. He fled to Paris joining the Resistance. He was captured and killed in Auschwitz. Kurt’s wife Sonja and their children Marion and Gert were also deported to Auschwitz and murdered. Only Richard’s son Werner and his family escaped to the USA before the war.
The Kaufhaus Steinhart Plaque stands as a poignant reminder. It reminds us of the devastation wrought by the Holocaust. It honors the memory of the Steinhart family and their lost lives. Let us not forget their story. Let this plaque serve as a constant reminder of the importance of tolerance and justice. Let the enduring strength of the Steinhart family inspire us to build a more just and compassionate world.