A 35-ton stone monument stands before you. This is A la memoire de bienfaiteurs de Romainville. It’s a tribute to the benefactors of Romainville. It’s more than just stone though. It’s a silent testament to generosity and community spirit.
Erected in 1935 the monument was the idea of Louise Dory. Louise a respected resident of Romainville lived at 65 rue Gabriel-Husson. She wanted to honor those who helped build the town. The sculptor Pierre Vaudrey created the masterpiece. He was a Lyon native who moved to Paris in 1891. Vaudrey created many sculptures for Parisian cemeteries. He also crafted works for locations overseas in the French territories. He even worked on projects in South America.
The stone itself is remarkable. It came from a quarry near Saint-Malo. Its journey from Brittany to Romainville is a story in itself. Imagine the effort needed to transport 35 tons of stone. Think about the people involved in its careful placement.
The monument honors several significant figures. There is Abbe Bourbon who donated land in 1726. His gift funded teachers for charity schools. Geneviève Aubin bequeathed land in 1739. She wanted to establish a school for girls. Sadly that school was never built. Jean-Pierre-André Houël was perhaps the most generous benefactor. Born in 1756 he became Romainville’s first mayor in 1790. He left funds for the Sisters of Charity. These nuns would teach girls and care for the poor. Marie-Catherine Aublet Allard created a prize in 1894 for deserving young women. Finally Louise Dory herself annually supported an orphan. She gave 8000 francs every year from 1927.
The monument itself is a powerful symbol. It reflects the values of Romainville’s past. It’s a reminder of the importance of community and giving back. It reminds us of the lasting legacy of those who dedicated themselves to the well-being of their town. The monument was restored in 1998. It continues to stand as a tribute. A la memoire de bienfaiteurs de Romainville continues to silently tell its story.