On September 28, 2023, the first Stolperstein in St. Gallen was laid to commemorate the tragic fate of Arthur Bernhard Vogt. This memorial stone is placed in front of his former residence at Kolosseumstrasse 21.
Who was Arthur Bernhard Vogt?
Arthur Bernhard Vogt was born on July 24, 1912, in Gossau SG. His father, Hermann Vogt, was a tailor who had immigrated to Switzerland from Wartenberg, Austria-Hungary, and married Swiss citizen Karolina Fourny in 1910. During World War I, Arthur’s mother moved with her children to St. Gallen, where they lived in the Langgass district. From 1928 onwards, Arthur worked as a hotel employee in various Swiss cities. Due to conflicts with his father and repeated issues with authorities—partly because of what was considered an „immoral lifestyle“—he was expelled multiple times. In 1934, he was permanently expelled from Switzerland.
After his expulsion, Vogt attempted to return illegally but was arrested and deported again. During World War II, he tried once more to flee to Switzerland in 1943, but was captured at the border. The Nazi regime sentenced him to death for „favoring the enemy,“ claiming that his escape attempts deprived the Reich of his labor. On September 12, 1944, Arthur Bernhard Vogt was executed in Munich-Stadelheim.
The Importance of Stolpersteine in St. Gallen
The laying of this first Stolperstein in St. Gallen represents an important step in commemorating the victims of National Socialism from the region. Stolpersteine, a project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig, serve as reminders of those who were persecuted, deported, murdered, or driven to suicide during the Nazi era. These stones are embedded in the pavement outside the victims’ last freely chosen residences, each bearing a brass plaque engraved with their name and life details.
Future Memorial Projects in St. Gallen
The St. Gallen regional group of the Stolpersteine Switzerland association is planning additional memorial stones in the city. On June 12, 2025, two more Stolpersteine will be laid in honor of Szloma Sochaczewski, who grew up in St. Gallen and was later deported and murdered in France, and Marta Wodiunig, who also lived in St. Gallen and was killed as part of the Nazi euthanasia program.
Through these Stolpersteine, awareness of the local victims of National Socialism is being raised, ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.
Website: stolpersteine.ch
