The namesake Karl Berbuer was actually a trained baker. However, he did not make his baked goods known, but his songs. In 1948, as an allusion to the German division among the occupying powers, the carnival hit "We are the natives of Trizonesia" appeared. Soon the song became known throughout Germany. In the early post-war period, it was also sometimes played before international sports encounters, as there was no national anthem of its own.
Another hit was “Heidewitzka, Mr. Captain”. In the early years of the Federal Republic of Germany, this song also occasionally served as a substitute.AnthemThus became the Chancellor. Konrad Adenauer during his visit to Chicago in 1950 Heidewitzka, Captain received.
The well ship “Müllemer Böötche” resembles an upside down fool’s cap, the figures behind the railing also remind of the carnival. To be discovered are two Heinzelmännchen, the Cologne street musicians “Orgels Palm” (organ turner) and “Fleuten-Arnöldche” (flute player), two music-making German lobe clowns on the tympanum and on the cymbal, a dancing spark with Mariechen and of course Berbuer himself in carnival uniform and with fool’s cap on his head. Around his neck hang various carnival orders. Mother Colonia monitors the funny driving of the rotating figures from the nose tip. At the edge of the boat are notation and lines of text from his works.
In honor of Karl Berbuer, a living work of art was to be created on the square, just as alive as his songs. In 1987 the fountain was erected, designed by the Aachen sculptor Bonifatius Stirnberg.
Also in other places Cologne carnevalists are honored. Composer Willi Ostermann (1876-1936) received a fountain in the old town. Singer Trude Herr (1927-1991) was immortalized with a street name in the Severinsviertel. And actor Willy Millowitsch (1909-1999) got a bronze statue on the iron market in the old town not far from the Hännesche Theater.
Sources:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonifatius_Stirnberg https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Berbuer
Imgrund, Bernd: 111 places to see in Cologne, Vol.1, Emons-Verlag, 2008