Association Forward
The Vorwärts association was founded in Bremen in 1846 as a workers' education association by cigar makers . Today the gymnastics and sports club is one of the oldest in town.
history
The foundation of the “Vorwärts” association came at a time of unrest, which, however, was hardly politically influenced in Bremen. It is more about the desire for "a little more bread, a little more justice and a little more humanity." The largest group of the so-called industrial proletariat includes the workers in cigar production. Since the beginning of the trade relations with South America in the 20's of the 19th century, the cigar production in Bremen took a rapid upswing. In 1841, more than 2000 workers were employed in 185 cigar factories, mostly small and very small businesses. By 1848 the number had more than doubled.
The tobacco workers are uncomfortably noticeable to the citizens of Bremen, the prevailing image at the time describes the association's writing “Vorwärts”:
“Growing up without any education, already busy with work in childhood, generally having little or no knowledge of school, their tone was coarse and rough and the well-paid piecework easily led to drink and card games and all sorts of nonsensical To brush."
At an evening party of the businessman Johann Caspar Koop , the problems with the cigar workers are discussed. Here is Karl Theodor Andree , editor of the Bremer Zeitung , the generally negative opinion towards this group of workers against his conviction that better training and specific Activities will improve their reputation. In December 1846, Koop and Andree organize the first major meeting with the cigar workers, at which 144 people declare their membership and elect a board.
In May 1847 the association decided to expand its offer to a larger group so that every innocent worker and anyone who wanted to promote the purpose of the association could become a member. The goal is moral and intellectual education, the association firmly rejects political intentions, which it benefits after the revolution of 1852. While some clubs are banned, the Vorwärts get away with it.
However, the association has been struggling with one problem since it was founded: the rented rooms are too narrow or have been terminated because the hosts are dissatisfied with the low consumption of the association members. They tried to raise money for their own home by issuing shares and in 1853 they were able to purchase a house at 5 Sandstrasse, which later became the “Vorwärts” house . There arise classrooms and founded by William hoof 1847 Turnerschaft 1859 165 m 2 large gym with overlying hall and library rooms built, but no longer sufficient soon in size the claims. An important source of income for the club are the gymnasts, besides the evening entertainment the only offers that cover their costs.
The lessons, on the other hand, which was the guiding principle when the association was founded, cannot be financed independently from the contributions. The less than 30 year old gymnasium was demolished in 1887 and replaced by a new building with 250 m 2 . This hall remained in operation until the association moved to Violenstrasse in 1973 and was one of the few options for larger gatherings after the Second World War. It was demolished for the construction of the Violenstrasse / Am Dom parking garage .
Through acquisitions over the decades, the association owns the largest contiguous piece of land in Bremen's old town in 1965 in Sandstrasse. In 1970 he ceded his buildings to the city of Bremen and bought a plot of land in Violenstrasse from them for the construction of a new clubhouse. The move took place in 1973.
The historic Haus Vorwärts has served as a science house for the association of the same name since 2005 as a showcase for science.
The Forward Today Association
The Vorwärts Bremen association from 1846 offers fitness, gymnastics, dance and hiking groups for all age groups.
See also
literature
- Maike Grimbo: House Forward - From the clip school to the workers' education association to the house of science . January 2005, on behalf of Dr. Hübotter Grundstücks – GmbH
- Herbert Black Forest : The Great Bremen Lexicon . 2nd, updated, revised and expanded edition. Edition Temmen, Bremen 2003, ISBN 3-86108-693-X .