Women now consider Bergisch Gladbach their domain
In the heart of the Rhine-Westphalian region, the paper city of Bergisch Gladbach has a rich history that spans over two centuries. A significant part of this history is the Zanders family, who played pivotal roles in the paper manufacturing industry. Three generations of women, Julie, Maria, and Olga Zanders, have been honoured by the Women's Council NRW e.V. as part of the "FrauenOrte NRW" project for their contributions to the state's history.
Julie Zanders, who led the company from 1831 to 1836 and again from 1857 until her death in 1869, was instrumental in the growth of the Zanders firm. She purchased the Gohrsmühle, which served as the company's main headquarters until its end.
Maria Zanders, who led the company alone from 1870, was known for her entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach. She expanded the company through acquisitions and modernization, and initiated the construction of Villa Zanders, a cultural hub where art, music, and civic engagement came together. She also founded the Altenberger-Dom-Verein, whose purpose was the restoration of the significant Simultankirche in the Bergisches Land.
Olga Zanders, who managed the company from 1915 to 1929, employed around 1500 people during her tenure. She also engaged in social work, founding the wedding grant in 1918.
The determined action of the Zanders women secured many people's jobs and livelihoods for many years. However, their roles in the history of the Rhine economy have been overlooked in the past. The Women's Sites NRW project, proposed by Dr. Ulrich Soénius, director of the Rhineland-Westphalian Economic Archive Foundation in Cologne, aims to contribute to equality by correcting the skewed perception that women have not made significant contributions to history.
The project, funded by the Ministry for Children, Youth, Families, Equality, Refugees and Integration of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, aims to honour 57 women personalities at 52 locations by the end of 2025. The plaque commemorating the Zanders women was inaugurated at Villa Zanders on Friday, 12 September.
Without the Zanders women, there would be neither the Zanders area nor the long tradition of the paper city of Bergisch Gladbach. Their legacy continues to inspire and their contributions to the region's history are now being recognised and celebrated through the Women's Sites NRW project.
