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Oberhausen honors history: 67 old house names on new plaques!
In Oberhausen, historical house and farm names were documented in order to preserve local identity and traditions.
Oberhausen honors history: 67 old house names on new plaques!
In Oberhausen, an exciting project to preserve the historical identity of the community has set new trends: the documentation and signage of 67 buildings have been successfully completed. This action, which took place under the leadership of archivist Bernhard Jenisch, was actively supported by the government of Upper Bavaria. The aim was to remember the former house and farm names, which were once widespread, and to preserve them for future generations. Mercury reports that new information boards were set up in all districts, which provide an insight into the rich history of these names.
A look back at the meaning of the farm names shows that these names were the only individual way to identify a property in the period before street names and house numbers were introduced in 1784. Old house names were often given by neighbors or manors and had not only a practical but also a socially unifying function within the community. These names often tell stories about the former residents and their living conditions. A link that can still be felt today, even if the owners change over the years, the names often remain the same.
The role of field name research
In Bavaria it deals with Association for place and field name research with the documentation and preservation of the field and house names. This association, which has been included in a nationwide directory since 2016, has recorded over 10 million field names and around 50,000 house names in Bavaria. These names not only reflect history, but also the close relationship people have with the landscape and their working environment. They are an indispensable part of our culture and identity.
What should be particularly emphasized is that field name research in Bavaria is unique: unlike in many other federal states, it is not carried out by state institutions, but by committed associations such as the above-mentioned association. This is actively committed to documenting and promoting knowledge of the historical names. The field name archive The association has been collecting relevant information since 1920 and making it available to both researchers and the interested public. It also offers support for communities that are concerned with preserving their field names.
Ambitious projects such as those in Oberhausen not only contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, but also raise awareness of the region's identity and history. So every farm name that is emblazoned on an information board today becomes a little storyteller that keeps the stories of the past alive.