Walter Simon (philanthropist)
Walter Simon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Königsberg |
| Died | April 1, 1920 (aged 62) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, public official, benefactor |
| Known for | Philanthropy in Königsberg and Tübingen |
Walter Simon (born 30 April 1857 in Königsberg, died 1 April 1920) was a prominent German banker, public official, and benefactor who made significant contributions in both Königsberg and Tübingen.
Life
As the second son of Moritz Simon, a banker based in Königsberg, Simon pursued studies in law, medicine, and philosophy at the University of Tübingen as well as at the Albertina, University of Königsberg. His professional career was centered on banking in Königsberg, where he also held the position of city councillor until 1901, dedicating his efforts to alleviating poverty and enhancing public education.
In recognition of his achievements, the Albertina awarded him an honorary professorship in 1899. Additionally, he was appointed Geheime Kommerzienrat (privy commerce councilor) by the German Empire. During the centennial celebration of the 1808 Städteordnung reform in 1908, Simon was granted honorary citizenship of Königsberg. He passed away at his residence in Neuroßgarten in 1920.
Königsberg
In 1892, Simon contributed a parcel of land measuring 6.83 hectares in Mittelhufen for the creation of an athletic ground known as Walter-Simon-Platz, which served as the home field for Königsberger STV during the early 1900s; today, this location corresponds to Baltika Stadium in Kaliningrad, Russia. Two years later, he financed a public bathhouse near the Oberteich, providing free swimming lessons to schoolchildren. His philanthropy extended to funding literature and construction projects for the Luisenkirche located in Amalienau, supporting the Farenheid Poorhouse in Hinterroßgarten, and sponsoring the Bismarck Memorial at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz.
Tübingen
Simon founded the Dr. Walter-Simon-Stiftung für Tübinger Weingärtner in 1890, an endowment aimed at assisting winemakers in Tübingen. In 1907, he established another fund dedicated to supporting female university students; this foundation received additional capital in 1932 to counteract inflationary losses. Furthering his commitment to social welfare, he created an endowment in 1912 intended to aid petty bourgeois couples, with a particular focus on newlywed women. His contributions also extended to the Uhlandbad indoor swimming facility. The street named Walter-Simon-Straße in Tübingen stands as a tribute to his enduring influence.