The legacy of the Brezel Adam: Memories of a Kaiserslautern family

Von Kl Redaktion

In the city of Kaiserslautern there is a special connection to the past that many citizens meet with a smile. In the heart of the city center is the small bronze sculpture of the Brezel Adam, which is reminiscent of the popular pretzel seller Adam Schmadel. His friendly being and his tireless efforts for delicious pretzels made him a local legend from 1919 to 1969 in Kaiserslautern.

The meaning of the pretzel in the Lautrer Kultur

The pretzel not only has a special place in the culinary offer of Kaiserslautern, but also symbolizes family traditions and community. Monika Martins, the granddaughter of Adam Schmadel, and her daughter Silvana Martins maintain this tradition in her everyday life. "When we go to the city, we always buy pretzels. They are part of it," says Silvana Martins. This small action is not only a pleasure, but also a tribute to your great -grandfather.

Brezel-Adam: A picture from past days

The memory picture, which Monika Martins shows from the city archive, lets the view of another time wander: a smiling Adam Schmadel holds a fresh pretzel in one hand, while his basket has many other delicacies. This scenery conveys the lifestyle at that time and the intimate connection between the citizens to this friendly seller.

The cultural heritage of the Brezel sale

Adam Schmadel not only earned his money on the street corner, but was also a regularly seen seller in restaurants and at 1. FC Kaiserslautern. His contribution to local culture was immense, and many older citizens can vividly remember the Brezel Adam. "Above all, he was always friendly, and everyone knew him. He always gave the children pretzels," says Monika Martins and thus illustrates the charm he exuded.

The statue as a place of commemoration

Instead of a grave that no longer exists today, the sculpture of Brezel-Adam plays a special role. Silvana and Monika Martins regularly visit the statue, which is like a replacement for the cemetery for them. "It would also be a topic that you go, look at it or take a photo," explains Silvana Martins. In this way, the memory of her great -grandfather remains alive and anchored the family roots in the city.

resistance to skepticism

When Silvana Martins should write an essay on a monument at school, the choice fell on Brezel-Adam. But not only joy was in the air: she had to convince her teacher that Adam Schmadel was her great -grandfather. "Only after I brought a photo of him did he believe me," recalls Silvana. This anecdote shows the width of her grandfather's awareness and illustrates how deep his roots lie in the community.

a legacy, that remains

Brezel-Adam died in 1969; His sculpture was set up in 1977 and still ensures that his memory lives on the hearts of the Lauterer. For Monika and Silvana Martins, the statue is more than just a monument - it represents an entire era in which the friendly face of Adam Schmadel was part of city life. "The love for pretzels is in the family," says Silvana, symbolizing how important the tradition of the pretzel sale is for the identity of the city and its residents.