Elberfeld Reading Society

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The Elberfeld Reading Society , which called itself " First Reading Society ", was a civil association founded on January 5, 1775 by Elberfeld citizens in the spirit of the Enlightenment . It was one of the first educational societies in the Rhineland.

Inspired by Goethe's meeting in Elberfeld with Jung-Stilling , Lavater , Samuel Collenbusch and Heinse in the house of Elberfeld merchant Anton Philipp Caspary , it was founded by eight citizens. They were the banker Abraham Kersten and his brother Caspar , Caspar Gotthelf Grünenthal , Johann van der Beeck , Peter Teschemacher , Christian Wilhelm Kühler , Engelbert Troost and Engelbert Werth . After a short time the society expanded to 27 members: Johann Heinrich Jung-Stilling, Dr. C. Kramer, Johann Rüttger Siebel , Anton von Carnap , Franz Karl von Carnap , Jakob Wichelhausen , Abraham Weerth , Peter vom Rath , Johann Gottfried Brögelmann , Johann Christian Hoecker , JL aus den Dörnen , Johann Casper Ullenberg , Peter Jakob Platzhoff , Peter Troost , Abraham Schwann , Johann Wilhelm Brögelmann , Johann Wilhelm Siebel , Jakob Weerth . Later members were the doctors Johann Simon Gottlieb Dinkler (1718–1792) and Karl Wilhelm Nose (1758–1835), the businessman Gerhard Siebel .

In his opening speech, Heinrich Jung-Stilling formulated the company's objective as “the refinement of people by increasing their knowledge and refining their customs”.

A library, specialist lectures and shared meals were important elements of society. Elector Karl Theodor became its protector after his visit in June 1785. Decisions were brought about democratically by voting among equal members.

The “First Reading Society” was repeatedly exposed to attacks from religious circles and anti-Enlightenment currents. In 1818 the society was dissolved and merged into the "Museum" society , which was more of a " recreation and representation association " (Illner).

Individual evidence

  1. ^ The development of the Casino company in Elberfeld 1755–1927

literature

  • Eberhard Illner , Bürgerliche Organisierung in Elberfeld 1785–1850 , Neustadt / Aisch 1982, p. 32 ff.