The bathing hut in Rorschach, ten train-minutes up Lake Constance from here, was built in 1924. And in all the years since then, it’s been a swimming place, meeting place, feel-good summer place for the people of Rorschach and further afield. Some of my friends who grew up in the area learned to swim there, then visited later with their children and grandchildren. Last summer the bathing hut had its 100-year jubilee celebration – the only one of its kind left on the lake.
But then – in the night of 22nd-23rd December last year, one hundred years and six months after it was built, the bathing hut burned down. They’ve never found what caused the fire, which had completely engulfed the old wooden structure even before the fire brigade arrived. We went along a couple of days later, on the 25th (the equivalent of Boxing Day here in Switzerland, as the main Christmas event is on the 24th). We weren’t the only ones – half of N.E. Switzerland seemed to be on the promenade. The sense of loss was all around; some people even brought flowers.
The scaffolding was there before the fire, as the roof was being repaired. Charred timbers were all that remained now, and although it was clear straightaway that the local people wanted to rebuild the bath house as it was before, it wasn’t at all clear if this would be possible. Was the concrete base damaged? Would they be able to source suitable materials? How much would it cost? The lack of the original plans was another factor.
Since then, teams of experts have been investigating and measuring, divers have examined the underwater structures and salvaged items like metal door handles and hinges, and different organisations and committees have been making plans and raising money. Just recently, the decision was made – the rebuild could start. Work is already underway.
It’s still just the start of the new bathing hut, but it’s going to be interesting to see how the project progresses. Watch this space… For more on the fire, go to the TV news from 23rd December 2024 and wind the top video back to the start.
linda huber 