Preserving the iconic banner of "Luck On Lindenhorst" club for posterity
In the heart of Dortmund-Eving, a significant piece of the region's history has been brought back to life. The hand-stitched flag of the miners' support association "Glück Auf Lindenhorst," dating back to 1894, has undergone a professional restoration by the Cologne restorers' partnership Beier, Freund, and Kübler.
The restored flag, now preserved for future generations, serves as a poignant reminder of the area's rich mining past. The flag, owned by the Eving Historical and Cultural Association, had sustained decades of damage, including dust, amateurish repairs, tears, and missing fringes. The restoration, funded by a four-figure subsidy from the Eving district marketing, was necessary due to the extensive damage affecting the textile cultural heritage.
The flag, with its intricate embroidery, is a unique symbol and witness to the eventful and multifaceted miners' movement in Dortmund. The inscription on the front of the flag reads: "WO KUOLEN LIEGET UN EIKEN WASST DO WASST OK LÜ DE DOBI PASST!" (Where coal lies and oaks grow, there also grow people who fit in). This phrase encapsulates the spirit of the miners' community, a testament to their resilience and sense of belonging.
Flags were once an integral part of the culture of mining associations, serving as symbols of recognition and affiliation. They were used for orientation during miners' relocations, meetings of mining associations, festive occasions, expressions of mourning, and to document belonging. Flags were symbols of respect, honor, and loyalty, and the restored flag ensures its continued role as a symbol of these values.
The restoration process further highlights the significance of preserving cultural heritage artifacts for future generations. The restored flag is likely to be used for future exhibitions and events related to the mining past in the Eving area, ensuring that the stories and traditions of the miners are not forgotten.
The restoration of the "Glück Auf Lindenhorst" flag serves as a significant witness to the mining past in Dortmund-Eving. It stands as a testament to the hard work, camaraderie, and spirit of the miners who once called the area home. The flag's continued presence serves as a reminder of the area's rich history and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
