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40 years later: Former stonemason trainees celebrate at the ruler!
Five stonemason trainees meet at the Zollstock in Friedewald for an anniversary celebration 40 years after their training.
40 years later: Former stonemason trainees celebrate at the ruler!
Five former trainees recently gathered in the small Friedewald to celebrate a very special anniversary. 40 years after beginning their training at the “ Zollstock ” – an impressive monument made of stylish Friedewald quartz sandstone – the time together was revived again. This stone monument is a reminder of the historical border between Hesse, Thuringia and Grabfeld and has not only historical but also personal significance for those involved. HNA reports that the Hessian customs office and escort border has been anchored at this point in the Seulingswald since 1306. The five alumni, Frank Correus, Hauke Hofmann, Holger Funk, Alexander Többen and Matthias Hebler, began their training as stonemasons and sculptors exactly 40 years ago, which they completed in Mainz-Hechtsheim.
At the beginning of their professional careers, the trainees worked on the creation of the work carved in stone, which includes 21 sandstone blocks and, including a donated block from Friedewalder Quartzsandstein GmbH, cost an impressive 45,000 German marks at the time. Holger Funk, master stonemason and stone sculptor, and Matthias Hebler, senior master of the stonemason's guild of the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district, were visibly proud when they spoke about the “ruling rule”. A repeat of the class reunion is planned for 2026, with the picturesque Tannenburg in Nentershausen as a possible location.
A piece of history
But the “ruler” embodies more than just the memories of these five men. It also shows a connection to an old trade route that once linked Frankfurt, Leipzig and Berlin. This historical added value can be seen in the Historic Boundary website Deepen the boundary stone research that can be read. This research work is important in order to permanently protect sovereignty stones, the legendary witnesses to past power relationships, and to preserve them in their original locations. Great importance is also placed on the preservation and restoration of old boundary stones in order to ensure the traceability of history.
Boundary stone research is an exciting field that is carried out by many local history and history associations and examines various objects - from landmarks and memorial stones to stone crosses and wayside shrines. This work not only contributes to inventory, but also to low-threshold public relations work. The insightful Wikipedia page on Landmark research highlights other aspects such as monument preservation and the educational preparation of information about these forgotten relics of our cultural history.
The care and appreciation of such monuments as the “Inch Rule” are not only the responsibility of the alumni, but also a shared responsibility of society. By remembering these historical places and actively contributing to their protection, we are making a contribution to preserving our cultural identity.