The last days at Rosenblumendelle.

The Vereinigte Rosen- und Blumendelle colliery, often referred to simply as the Rosenblumendelle mine, forms a significant chapter in the mining history of Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. Located in the Heißen district, it embodied not only the industrial development of this region, but also the unwavering spirit of its miners.

The Rosenblumendelle colliery was formed in 1841 by the merger of four smaller collieries - Tutenbank, Rosendelle, Blumendelle and Kämpgeswerk. This consolidation led to it becoming a central hub for coal mining in Mülheim an der Ruhr for the following decades. Nevertheless, its history came to an end in 1966, when it became the last still-active colliery in Mülheim an der Ruhr to be shut down.

Everyday work underground was undoubtedly hard and dangerous for the miners. Conditions were often dark, damp and cramped, and the physical demands of the work wore on the miners' bodies. But despite these adversities, life at the Rosenblumendelle mine was characterized by a remarkable cohesion among the miners. They stood up for each other, in good times and bad, and formed a community that was stronger than the harsh circumstances of their work.

A special highlight that underscores the unique character of the Rosenblumendelle colliery was the underground theater performances. Led by a pit foreman named Eduard Sodomann, these performances took place underground. Sodomann, recognizing the value of cultural exchange and community, organized plays with a few men to lift the spirits of his colleagues. These performances were very popular and became a much desired moment of diversion and amusement in the otherwise hard working day of the miners.

The Rosenblumendelle colliery thus stands not only for coal mining in Mülheim an der Ruhr, but also for the human spirit, creativity and tireless cohesion, even in the most difficult times.

The images are not real historical photographs but were created with AI. They are meant to recreate the life and work of these brave men who risked their lives every day to mine the black gold.