What if this stone could speak? It would tell the story of Alma de l’Aigle. We stand before the Alma de l’Aigle Stone a memorial to an extraordinary woman.
Alma de l’Aigle was born in Hamburg in 1889. Her ancestors fled France. They escaped the French Revolution’s terror and found refuge in Holstein. That area was then under Danish rule. Alma’s father was a lawyer. He worked for the government.
Alma initially wanted to be a painter. Financial constraints led her to teaching. She trained as a technical teacher in Hamburg. For 13 years she taught at a school for children with learning disabilities. Alma’s dedication to these children was unwavering. Even during the Nazi regime, she continued to teach.
In 1940 Alma accompanied Hamburg children to Tirschenreuth. This was part of the Kinderlandverschickung program. The Nazi authorities wanted a Christmas celebration without Christian elements. Alma and other teachers wrote a Nativity play. It included hidden criticisms of the regime. This brave act shows Alma’s resistance.
After World War II Alma became a founding member. She helped start the German Child Protection Association. She also served on the Federal Review Board. This board examined writings that could endanger young people. Alma dedicated her life to children’s welfare.
Alma was politically active. After World War I she joined the Young Socialists. She advocated for land reform. In 1920 she refused to swear an oath. This oath would have been to the Reich Constitution.
During World War II Alma maintained contact with Theodor Haubach. Haubach was involved in the Kreisau Circle. She corresponded with him until his execution in 1945. After the war, she published his letters.
Alma’s legacy extends to garden culture. Her father bought land in Hamburg-Eppendorf in 1888. He created a garden with flowers vegetables and fruit trees. Alma cared for this garden. She published a book called “Ein Garten” or “A Garden” in 1948.
Alma had a deep love for roses. She cultivated many varieties. She wrote a book called “Begegnungen mit Rosen” or “Meeting with Roses.” It described 700 rose types. She even mortgaged her house to publish it.
After the last de l’Aigle sister died the garden fell into disrepair. An investment firm planned to build apartments there. Citizens protested. They formed a society to promote garden culture. They saved a portion of the garden. It still contains roses and fruit trees from 1888.
The Alma de l’Aigle Garden is now a private natural monument. It is maintained by the Hamburg Monument Foundation. A fragrant pink rose was named in her honor. It is called “Andenken an Alma de l’Aigle”.
Alma de l’Aigle passed away in 1959 in Hamburg. She was buried in the Old Niendorf Cemetery. Although a street could not be named after her due to its complicated spelling, her impact remains. Since 2013 the Alma de l’Aigle Prize for Garden Culture has been awarded. It recognizes contributions to garden culture.
So as we stand here let’s remember Alma. She was a teacher an author a gardener and a socialist. She left a lasting mark on Hamburg. She made an impact on education and garden culture. Her spirit lives on in this stone.