Remembering the miners. That is the purpose of the Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk. It stands here as a stark reminder of a tragic event.
This monument honors the miners who died in the Zeche Zollern mine disaster on May 22 1898. The disaster claimed 46 lives and injured 12 others. A fire broke out deep within the Zeche Zollern I/III mine in Dortmund-Kirchlinde.
The Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk was erected in November 1898. It stands on the evangelischen Friedhof in Marten. This is also known as Olleroh. The Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk is a simple black obelisk. Today it stands on a two-tiered base.
The Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk is approximately 3.5 meters tall. An inscription marks the monument. It is framed by a hammer and chisel. A cross also adorns it. The inscription reads Den am 22. Mai 1898 auf Zeche Zollern verunglückten braven Bergleuten gewidmet von der Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks Actien Gesellschaft. This translates to Dedicated to the brave miners who died on May 22 1898 at Zeche Zollern by the Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks Actien Gesellschaft. It speaks to the obedience and diligence of the dead.
Eleven names are listed on the west and east sides of the Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk. They include Aug Scheibler and Ludwig Pohlke. Karl Schelte and Rich Sichelschmidt are also listed. Friedr Kobusch and Hein Kattenbräuker are included. Johann Gritzian and Karl Lill also appear. Wilhelm Dietzel and Wilhelm Lauffer are also memorialized here. One side of the Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk remains blank.
Interestingly the Dortmunder Zeitung reported on May 29 1898. It noted that Karl Schelte was initially buried in Kirchlinde by mistake. Heinrich Kortmann a Catholic miner was buried here instead. The bodies were exhumed and reburied in the correct cemeteries.
A matching monument stands in the Friedhof in Kirchlinde. It honors the Catholic miners who perished in the same disaster.
The Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk is listed as art in public space. Its Dortmund number is 44379-006.
This obelisk serves as a symbol of power. It also commemorates soldiers in war memorials. The miners are styled as soldiers at the work front. Mining symbols replace oak leaves and swords.
Take a moment to reflect on the lives lost. Consider the dangers these miners faced daily. The Ehrenmal für die Opfer des Grubenunglücks auf Zeche Zollern in Kirchlinde Obelisk stands as a lasting symbol of remembrance.