Imagine a time of fervent patriotism as you approach the Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg. It stands as a testament to a bygone era. This tower isn’t just a pile of stones. It’s a symbol of German unity and remembrance.
The Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg was erected on the ruins of an old windmill. The Kriegerverein Lichtenberg und Umgebung initiated its construction in 1895. Oberamtsmann Koppe from Wollup and Rittmeister Werner Schulz from Lichtenberg-Rosengarten proposed the idea. Rittergutsbesitzer Schulz financed the building.
Construction began on October 1, 1905. Maurermeister Henkel from Briesen i. Mark provided the design. He also oversaw the construction. Granite stones and fieldstones were used as building materials. The upper part of the tower was made with double-layered bricks. The Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg has a round layout with a diameter of 10.50 meters. Its wall is 1.15 meters thick on the entrance side and 0.70 meters on the back. The tower stands 5.70 meters tall.
Above the entrance was a rectangular relief of Bismarck’s head made of copper. The inscription read: “A faithful German servant of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Dedicated to his memory, April 1, 1906. Rittmeister Schulz-Rosengarten.” Gladenbeck & Sohn in Berlin-Friedrichshagen produced the relief.
A grand inauguration ceremony took place on April 1, 1906. Landrat Dr. Kleiner conducted the “consecration act.” That evening, the first fire was lit atop the Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg. Every year thereafter, Bismarck celebrations were held on April 1.
In 1945, the Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg suffered damage from artillery fire. It was even used as a cadaver house for a time. Stones from the structure were used for destroyed houses.
By October 2001, the local Bodenverwertungs- und Verwaltungs GmbH planned to demolish the ruined Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg. A citizens’ initiative saved it. Ninety-eight percent of Lichtenberg’s 450 residents signed a petition.
In August 2002, the Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg was in poor condition. Only the base remained. The side facing away from the road and the roof were missing. A fundraising campaign collected 7,000 Euros for preservation. Locals gathered fieldstones for reconstruction.
Renovation work started in October 2006. The city provided 3,000 Euros. Work stopped due to lack of funds.
In October 2013, renovations resumed with donations and city funds. The building was completely renovated in four phases. A new entrance and windows were added. The Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg was completed in June 2018. The town decided not to rebuild the roof.
Today, the Bismarckturm Frankfurt-Lichtenberg stands in good condition. Its windows and door are barred. Whether it will be opened to the public remains unknown. The tower serves as a reminder of history. It is a testament to the dedication of the local community.