140 years of family tradition: The Stummers on the Brokser marriage market

140 years of family tradition: The Stummers on the Brokser marriage market

The Stummers from Bruchhausen-Vilsen are an integral part of the Broks marriage market, where they celebrate a special anniversary this year. August Heinrich Stummer's descendants have been present on this traditional market for 140 years and maintain a variety of rides and stalls. During the market, not only visitors, but also family and friends come together, which makes every participation a special occasion.

The Stummer Showmen family is represented with its offer of 15 different shops on the marketplace. The attractions include the popular ferris wheel, adventure rides such as the hip hop jumper and numerous classic play booths that attract visitors every year. This tradition goes back to the early 1880s when the great -grandfather August Heinrich Stummer began to make money with a simple swing. The marketplace becomes the central place of the event for the entire family.

a family with many Henrys

The tradition that every firstborn son bears the name Henry. This year, visitors meet four Henrys on site, which occasionally leads to confusion. However, the family has developed creative methods to differ. While the youngest Henry, who is only eight years old, does not yet have a fixed nickname, the oldest is referred to as Henry Senior. This name reproduction stands for the close connection of the family and the transfer of traditions through the generations.

The current family patriarch, Henry Senior, who turns 80, embodies the family tradition and is proud that his family continues the legacy. "We have developed a good reputation," emphasizes his grandson. "It is important to stick to the roots and to maintain our traditions." They have learned these traditions from their grandfather and thus contribute to strengthening the family merging.

The special charm of the Brokser Markt

The Broks marriage market is not only a place of earnings for the Stummers, but also an important social meeting point. While the shops are set up here, the family members spend time together, which often extends the structure. "We meet many acquaintances and friends here," explains Lars, the youngest son of Henry Senior. This gives the market a particularly cozy and family character that is often missing at other events.

The history of the Stummers is deeply interwoven with the history of the market. The grandson Henry describes how her location plays an important role at the monument because they have been present there for generations. Grandpa Henry remembers the beginnings when the market consisted of only a few rows. "Back then there was only a few stalls and little distraction." The constant further development and the commitment to pass on the manual inheritance stand for the development of the stumbers and their business.

Another interesting aspect is the return of the Stummers to their homeland Bruchhausen-Vilsen, where they take care of their roots. While they spend a lot of time in the trips between different markets, they are strongly rooted in locally. "We spend the money here that we earn elsewhere," adds Georgina, the wife of Klein-Henry. This connection to home and domestic business is of great importance for the Stummers.

tradition and innovation

With the Broks marriage market, the Stummers not only combine business interests, but also personal memories and family gang. Whether in the various rides or in the sociable get -together, the market becomes alive by the traditions that are passed on. The Stummers stand for continuity in a constantly changing world.

The history of the Stummer family family is not only a chronological story, but also reflects larger social and economic changes that have taken place over the past 140 years. At the beginning of August Heinrich Stummer's showmen in 1884, the country was strongly shaped. Festures and markets formed one of the few occasions for the entertainment and social interaction for the rural population.

### Development of the showman trade

Over the years, the showman has changed significantly. At first the rides were simple and mainly geared towards the local population. With the industrialization and the advent of trade fairs and major events, showmen such as the Stummers were able to expand and address a wider clientele. This development was accompanied by an increase in prosperity, which meant that more people were willing to spend on leisure fun. The Stummers have adapted to these changes through continuous adaptation and investments in new attractions and thus preserved their relevance.

### Social meaning of markets

markets like the Broks marriage market are of historical and social importance. They not only bring together merchants and visitors, they are also meeting points for the community. In Bruchhausen-Vilsen, the marriage market is a festival that has cultivated traditions for generations. Here old acquaintances, family members and new faces meet to exchange ideas and celebrate life. The social interactions that take place at such events are indispensable for the sense of community and the identity of the local population.

### family binding and tradition

The special family loyalty within the Stummer family, which is strengthened by the decades of participation in the Broks marriage market, is another important element. This close connection is not only in the number of participating family members, but also in the family rituals, such as the dinner for Christmas. Such traditions are invaluable and contribute to the stability and strength of the family. It is not only a professional obligation, but also a way of life that is passed on for generations.

### Current developments in showmans

In recent years, however, the showmen has also experienced challenges, in particular through the Covid 19 pandemic, which brought many trade fairs and at times. These circumstances have questioned the model of the traditional market and led to a rapidly uncertain economic situation for many showmen. Despite these difficulties, the Stummers have adapted and found innovative ways to deal with the new circumstances, for example by implementing modern sales formats.

Despite the challenges,

markets and festivals remain essential for local culture and the economic well -being. The commitment and adaptability of families such as the Stummers are crucial to keep these traditions alive.