De Monn mit da long Stong

De Monn mit da long Stong is a bronze sculpture in the Alter Markt square of Dudweiler that depicts a lamplighter holding his distinctive long pole, accompanied by two child figures. The work stands in this central location with explanatory plaques that provide background on this representation of a historical occupation.

The sculpture was created in 1989 by blacksmith Zoltan Hencze and commemorates the era when gas lamps lit the streets of Saarbrücken. This work emerged during a time when such manual professions were already fading and electric lighting was replacing traditional methods.

The name 'De Monn mit da long Stong' uses the Saarland dialect to describe the lamplighter figure, a profession that shaped daily life in the district. This work of art keeps alive the memory of a familiar character who moved through streets performing an essential task.

The memorial is located on a public square with good accessibility and paved pathways surrounding the sculpture. It is best to visit during daylight hours when the bronze details are clearly visible and you can see the surrounding area and architecture.

The memorial was funded entirely through donations from Dudweiler residents, making it a community-driven creation rather than an official government project. This grassroots effort reflects how deeply the local population valued preserving the memory of this disappearing craft.