Hauenstein yesterday and today: Local evening delights with historical film

Hauenstein yesterday and today: Local evening delights with historical film

On October 21, 2023, the community center in Hauenstein was filled to capacity when the “Hauensteiner Heimatabend” took place. The event, organized by the “Culture in the Village” initiative, was presented by Bernd Rohner, a well-known photographer and collector of historical photos. He has put together an impressive collection of around 2,000 historical photos from Alt-Hauenstein, which he wanted to present with a projector at the local evening. Among the pictures were valuable recordings of village life that were captured over 100 years ago by his great-grandfather Otto Rohner and his father Hans Rohner. Long storms of applause accompanied the moving impressions of the past that Rohner revealed in his picture show. Admission was free, but donations were requested to support cultural activities in the community.

A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of the film “One Day Like Many Others”, which comes from 1961 and was carefully prepared by Bernd Rohner. This is a journey back in time into the life of the shoe village of Hauenstein more than 60 years ago. The film not only provides nostalgic insights, but also promises current perspectives that reflect life in today's vibrant community. In addition, a parade of the Hauenstein clubs was arranged specifically for this film, which clearly underlines the community and cohesion in the village. Rhine Palatinate reports that the music association under the direction of conductor Alfons Sternjakob was there.

Culture and community

Bernd Rohner has made a name for himself as a collector of old pictures since 2007. His first photo show “Still washing?” attracted the interest of many Hauensteiners and gave an insight into the history of the village. Participation in exhibitions and collaboration with the photo archive of the local community of Hauenstein, which is looked after by Eugen Klein, show how lively and active cultural work is in Hauenstein. This is what the weekly newspaper reports that Rohner once shaped cultural life in the village, be it by promoting historical memories or by actively participating in community projects.

The roots of the colorful village culture in Hauenstein are deeply anchored in the historical context. Hauenstein, a place with a distinctive political history, has made a name for itself as a stronghold of political Catholicism. The close ties of the community were demonstrated in the Reichstag election in 1933, when 92.6% of voters voted for the Center and the Bavarian People's Party. In contrast, in other places, such as nearby Darstein, the National Socialists won a majority in the same election. This shows how denominational differences and the associated historical resentments shaped the political landscape and continue to exert their influence today. Palatinate history illuminated these backgrounds and sheds light on the eventful history of the village, which can be traced in Rohner’s photos.

In summary, the “Hauensteiner Heimatabend” not only shows the importance of village culture, but also the lively community that works to appreciate the past. Events like these promote cohesion and keep the history of the village alive.