What whispers of the past does this unassuming plaque hold? This is the DER ZABO Plaque. It marks a place with a story etched in the history of Nuremberg. This plaque is a reminder of Zerzabelshof’s vibrant past. Locals affectionately call Zerzabelshof “Zabo”.
Zerzabelshof is a district on Nuremberg’s eastern edge. The DER ZABO Plaque helps us remember a time long ago. We must delve into Zabo’s history to understand this marker’s true meaning.
The name Zerzabelshof dates back to 1309. A document mentions Gotz de Sternzagelshouve and Leovpoldus de Sternzagelshouve. They were administrators of the forest house. Over time, powerful families controlled the area. The Pfinzing family were early landowners. From 1370, the Waldstromer von Reichelsdorf took over. Later, wealthy Nuremberg citizens held the land. From 1563 to 1837, the Löffelholz von Kolberg family owned it. Finally, the Freiherren von Mettingh held it from 1861 to 1906. They transformed the forest house into Zerzabelshof manor. They expanded it into a small village.
In the late 18th century, Zerzabelshof comprised 17 properties. These included a castle, six estates, and several houses. Nuremberg held high judicial power. However, Brandenburg-Ansbach disputed this. The Nuremberg Eigenherr von Löffelholz controlled village affairs and land ownership.
In 1808, Zerzabelshof became part of Mögeldorf’s tax district. Later, the rural community of Zerzabelshof emerged. It included Valznerweiher. Zerzabelshof was integrated into Nuremberg in 1923.
From 1947 to 1950, the Moll-Bahn ran through Zerzabelshof. This narrow-gauge railway transported debris. It moved rubble from Nuremberg’s 90% destroyed Old Town. The railway went to Fischbach. The depot was located at the 1. FC Nürnberg grounds. This was south of Zerzabelshof by the Valznerweiher.
After World War II, the population increased. Today, about 13000 people live here. Zerzabelshof was an independent district. In 1995, it became part of Nuremberg’s Oststadt. This is district 5.
Since 1913, the 1. FC Nürnberg has been in Zerzabelshof. The club celebrated many victories at Sportpark Zerzabelshof. Locals called it Zabo. The team won eight German championships and three cup titles. These wins happened at the old Zabo grounds. Today, a memorial stone on Kachletstraße marks the spot. A monument honored fallen club members from World War I. It stood in the north curve until the stadium’s demolition.
The DER ZABO Plaque reminds us of this sporting heritage. It connects us to the passion and pride. The 1. FC Nürnberg brought much fame to Zerzabelshof. This plaque serves as a tangible link. It connects the present to the area’s dynamic past.
The SpVgg Zabo-Eintracht sports club also calls Zerzabelshof home. Founded in 1916, the club has a rich history. It reflects the community’s spirit. The club’s early days saw humble beginnings. Members met in a bakery. They played on rented fields. Today, the club continues to thrive. It offers football, chess, table tennis, and bowling.
Zerzabelshof has evolved over the centuries. It transformed from a forest house to a manor. Then, it became a village and finally a Nuremberg district. The DER ZABO Plaque stands as a silent witness. It marks the passage of time. It embodies the spirit of Zerzabelshof.