Picture a weathered seaman. He is pulling a weakened soul from a stormy sea. That’s how Fährrmann Klemens Baumann is immortalized in Dingelsdorf. This is a tribute to a man of the lake.
Let me tell you about Fährrmann Klemens Baumann. He was born in Konstanz-Dingelsdorf on November 23, 1823. He died there on December 1, 1906. Klemens Baumann was a ferryman.
The Klemens-Baumann-Denkmal stands in Dingelsdorf harbor. The community dedicated it to him. Hans Herr created it. The Denkmal was erected in 1973. This celebrated Baumann’s 150th birthday.
Locals deeply respect Fährrmann Klemens Baumann. It is said he completed over 52,000 lake crossings. He rescued many people during his service. The statue’s inscription reads “Fährmann Klemens Baumann 1823 – 1906 / 17 Menschen hat er gerettet”. This translates to “Ferryman Klemens Baumann 1823 – 1906 / He saved 17 people”.
For over seventy years, Baumann worked the lake. The Denkmal portrays him realistically. It shows him rescuing a person from a ship in distress. Beside the Denkmal, an information panel provides more about Klemens Baumann.
The name “Klemens” originates from Latin. It means “merciful” or “gentle”. It reflects kindness. This aligns with Baumann’s life-saving actions. The surname “Baumann” has German roots. It means “builder” or “farmer”. It reflects the value of labor.
Fährmann Klemens Baumann’s Denkmal isn’t just a statue. It represents courage. It embodies selfless service. It is a tribute to a man who braved the waters. He helped those in need.