Fritz Reuter Stele

Beneath the rustling leaves of the Reuter-Eiche in Lübeck’s Stadtpark stands the Fritz Reuter Stele. It’s a simple memorial, yet it speaks volumes about a man and his connection to this city. The Fritz Reuter Stele isn’t just a piece of wood and stone. It’s a tangible link to a vibrant community that cherished their heritage. In 1910, former Mecklenburgers living in Lübeck founded the “Plattdütscher Verein Fritz Reuter” to honor the great Low German storyteller. They chose the 100th anniversary of Reuter’s birth to establish this group, dedicated to preserving the language and traditions of their homeland. The Fritz Reuter Stele became their special place, a focal point for their annual gatherings. Imagine them here, beneath the oak, their banner with Reuter’s portrait held high. Their voices, raised in the Vereinshymne “Ick weit einen Eikbom…”, filled the air. The “Plattdütscher Verein Fritz Reuter” held yearly ceremonies at the Fritz Reuter Stele. They laid wreaths in November to honor Reuter. This tradition continued for decades. But time marches on, and the members grew older. Sadly, no new generation came to take their place. In 2021, the association made the difficult decision to disband after 111 years. Their legacy, however, lives on. The banners and a bust of Fritz Reuter now reside in the Fritz Reuter Literature Museum. These artifacts are a testament to Reuter’s popularity. They serve as a reminder of the dedicated community who gathered here at the Fritz Reuter Stele, keeping his memory alive. The Fritz Reuter Stele isn’t just a memorial. It represents the love for language, tradition, and the enduring power of community.