Right before us stands the Otto Heinrich Schmeltz Bust. Who was this man and why does he deserve such recognition? Otto Heinrich Schmeltz was born in 1814. He became a significant figure in Roskilde’s history.
Let’s delve into the story of Otto Heinrich Schmeltz. In 1833, he took over his family’s cotton weaving mill. It was located at Skomagergade 9. Schmeltz sold fabric from there. He also traveled to markets across Zealand. He wanted to sell his production far and wide.
By 1851, Schmeltz earned his manufacturer’s license. Later in 1885, he received the title of agent. In 1893, Carl Andersen took over the business. Andersen had been Schmeltz’s foreman for 17 years. Schmeltz retired and eventually died without heirs in 1898.
Schmeltz began making donations in 1879. To improve his view from his house, he offered 20.000 kr to the municipality. That is millions today. He wanted a new town hall built. The old town hall was torn down in 1883. The current town hall was built partly with Schmeltz’s money.
In 1885, he offered another 20.000 kr. This was to buy the old block between Nytorv and Fondens Bro. His aim was to create a large Stændertorv. In 1895, he gifted the town a fountain. Architect J. V. Mørch-Hansen designed it. It was placed on the square. In 1896, Schmeltz paid 18.000 kr to regulate Allehelgensgade. The municipality used the funds to remove Winthers Garveri. It was a bottleneck on the corner of Stændertorvet and Allehelgensgade.
Upon his death in 1898, his will included more gifts to the town. In total, he donated almost 300.000 kr. This was for buildings, foundations, and social causes. This equals a large sum today.
Thanks to his bequeathed money, the Agent O. H. Schmeltz Foundation was built. It provided free housing for six single women. Other funds from his will were used in 1916. They bought land north of Provstevænget. The area was planted and turned into a park. It is now part of Byparken.
The Schmeltz Foundation expanded in 1940. Another house was built by Klostermuren. It accommodated 11 more women. In 1961, a large cleared space was named Schmeltzs Plads. It is located between Skomagergade and Bredgade.
Moreover, part of the money inherited by Roskilde in 1898 was used for establishing a park. This park was not to be used for any kind of sports. In 1915, the city acquired land on the north side of Provstevænget. It had been farmland until then. The landscape architect Aage Hansen designed the new park.
This bust immortalizes Otto Heinrich Schmeltz. It is a reminder of his generosity. It also acknowledges his lasting impact on Roskilde. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of this remarkable man. His contributions shaped the city we see today.