“Was it truly Swedish granite?” I wonder, standing before the Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm. This mausoleum-like tomb marks the final resting place of the Bohm family. It stands in the Evangelical Cemetery Fredersdorf-Süd. Since 2010, it has been a protected building in Brandenburg. Experts consider it an outstanding example of late 19th-century grave architecture. This applies artistically and architecturally.
Let’s step back to 1883. Carl Gottlob Bohm, a 72-year-old factory owner, passed away. His sons, Paul and Otto, commissioned this tomb. They wanted to honor their father, the biggest employer in Fredersdorf. Fredersdorf is now part of Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf. The Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm sits at the end of a small avenue of linden trees. It leads from the entrance to the cemetery chapel. The tomb altered the cemetery’s character. This led to a dispute with the landowner, Verdries. Until then, there were only smaller graves. Larger family tombs stood along the northeast and northwest walls. The new tomb blocked the direct path between the entrance and the chapel. Negotiations led to a compromise.
The Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm consists of red Swedish granite. It takes the form of a half-rotunda without a dome. Six columns define its sides. Four are round and Doric. The two at the front are square. They stand on a continuous base. A cornice tops the base. Two smaller obelisks sit above the front columns. Inside, the name “Familie Bohm” is emblazoned in golden letters. The entire structure rests on a burial mound. An eight-step staircase leads up to the tomb. The smooth surface results from marble polishing machines made in the Bohm factory.
Inside the Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm, two coffins and eight urns reside. A memorial stone for Otto Bohm stands at the back. A wrought-iron fence encloses the rear area.
While the church could fund the chapel’s renovation, funds for the Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm are lacking. Access is currently restricted due to structural issues.
Take a moment to appreciate this unique structure. The Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm represents a family’s legacy. It is a testament to industrial success and artistic vision. The Erbbegräbnis der Familie Bohm links us to the past. It reminds us of the families who shaped this region.