Kurt Ihlenfeld. A name that resonates with the quiet strength of literary resistance. Here, at Heimat 85 in Berlin, a simple plaque commemorates his life and work. This plaque isn’t just a piece of metal. It’s a portal to a time when words were weapons and faith a shield. Kurt Ihlenfeld, born in Colmar in 1901, used both. He was a man of God, a pastor who shepherded his flock through turbulent times. He was also a writer, a poet who wove words into tapestries of defiance. The plaque tells us he received the prestigious Fontane-Preis in 1952. This award was a testament to his powerful storytelling. His novel, “Wintergewitter” (Winter Storm), captured the chilling reality of Berlin in 1945. But Ihlenfeld’s story goes deeper than literary accolades. The plaque subtly hints at his role in the Eckart-Kreis. This group, founded by Ihlenfeld himself, was a haven for Christian and conservative writers during the Nazi regime. Imagine these brave souls, gathering in secret. They shared their words, their hopes, their fears. In a time of darkness, they kept the flame of intellectual freedom alive. Names like Werner Bergengruen, Ricarda Huch, and Jochen Klepper. Fellow members of this quiet resistance. Together, they dared to challenge the oppressive narrative of the Third Reich. Ihlenfeld’s friendship with Klepper, forged during their time in Breslau, adds another layer to this story. It speaks to the power of connection and shared purpose. The plaque before us is a silent witness to these connections. It stands as a reminder that even in the darkest hours, the human spirit, fueled by faith and art, can endure. Kurt Ihlenfeld’s legacy is more than just the books he wrote. It’s the courage he embodied. It’s the community he fostered. This plaque at Heimat 85 is a small tribute to a large life. A life lived in service of both God and the written word. A life that continues to inspire, here in the heart of Berlin.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in