Furnace of the Rotman plant (Rotman Tower)

Photos

  • Печь завода Ротмана (Башня Ротмана). Photo 1
  • Печь завода Ротмана (Башня Ротмана). Photo 2
  • Печь завода Ротмана (Башня Ротмана). Photo 3
  • Печь завода Ротмана (Башня Ротмана). Photo 4

Description

The monument "Rotman Tower" or "Stove" represents the ruins of the first plant in the history of Samara for the production of sand-lime brick. It was founded in the 1900s by the “Russian” German Rothman. However, the plant did not last long due to the monopoly position of competitors, which hindered Rotman's success. Unable to cope with the repayment of loans, he committed suicide.

There are several versions of the origin of this tower. According to one of them, it is the remnant of a pipe for firing limestone at a brick factory. It is believed that this plant produced white sand-lime brick, which was cheaper than red and attracted buyers. However, this displeased local competitors, who conspired to get rid of Rothman. They ensured that the creditors demanded that he repay all the loans he had taken, which he was unable to do, and, according to legend, he committed suicide.

Another version claims that the tower was built during the Soviet period, and prisoners from the camps that were in those parts worked on it. There is also an opinion that the tower was built before the revolution by an unknown entrepreneur who produced bricks on site, not far from the deposits of raw materials.

Despite various versions, there is no documentary evidence for any of them, and the origin of this tower remains a mystery.

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