Autumn excursion of the country seniors: A look into the pottery tradition!

Autumn excursion of the country seniors: A look into the pottery tradition!

The autumn trip of the rural seniors of the Ilm district, which took place today with almost 80 participants, took place in southern Thuringia. A highlight of the trip was the visit to the Gramann pottery in Römhild. The business economist Manuela Spittel informed the interested guests about the impressive history of the family business, which was founded in 1720. Thanks to the nearby clay deposits of the Gleichberge, the pottery industry was able to flourish and moved to its current location in the 18th century.

In the 1970s there was nationalization, which led to an export of production and an increase to 420 employees. After the fall of the Wall, the Gramann family took over the business, but the collapse of the markets caused difficult times, so that today only six employees are employed here. The trademark of the pottery, the typical red color of Gramann ceramics, is highly valued in the region.

Pottery art and tradition

Pottery, such as those made in pottery, is created by processing clay or clay in which the objects are shaped, dried and fired to perfect them. The production involves various techniques, including turning on the potter's wheel, which is used for medium to small vessels. A fascinating detail is that high-fired pottery can reach temperatures of over 1280°C. These techniques have a long tradition in craftsmanship and date back to the Jōmon period in Japan.

A very special event is coming up in 2026: the international ceramics symposium, which has existed since 1975, is scheduled to take place again. A museum on the history of pottery is also being planned, supported by the LEADER regional working group. This shows how vibrant and important pottery still is in the region today.

Further events in the Ilm district

Back in the Ilm district, the citizens celebrated the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Gräfenroda and the Kirner Land in Rhineland-Palatinate. At a meeting at Lindenplatz, souvenir photos were taken of the linden tree that was planted 35 years ago and our shared history was celebrated. The festive program included a presentation about the partnership's activities, a delicious banquet and sporting competitions at the bowling alley.

There was also an interesting photo exhibition entitled “Encounters – Photographs in Black and White” in the Heinse House in Lanwegen. The exhibition showed emotional insights into different worlds and led visitors through a variety of impressive, black and white photographs from countries such as Germany and Sweden.

Not only the seniors, but also children enjoyed a happy celebration in the Holzhausen kindergarten. At the potato festival – the first big highlight of the kindergarten year – the preschoolers were crowned little kings and queens. The largest potato weighed an impressive 950 grams and was crowned Maya the Potato Queen.

The HSV Arnstadt's traditional autumn hike also took place for nature lovers. Dogs and their owners enjoyed the bright colors of autumn on a lovely walk through the forest, which started at the Waldbad in Plaue and ended with a short drinking break at the Waldbadschenke. A great opportunity to explore autumn nature along with dog-friendly restaurants!