The 16 th of December 2007 the Guild has existed 65 years. It was established in 1942 during WW 2 while Denmark was occupied. The purpose of the Guild was to secure the cellar - Duus´ Wine Cellar - as a meeting place for only Danish citizens. The occupation forces had grown very fond of the charming and impressive premises. By establishing the Guild as a club and add a rule according to which only club members - by presenting a membership card - could gain access to the cellar, the occupation forces and their followers were prevented from access.
After the war ended in 1945 the Guild felt that its purpose had been fulfilled. But the City Council of Aalborg asked the Guild to continue the tradition and welcome the citizens of Aalborg as well as people visiting Aalborg and initiate them into the Guild.
During the 65 years more than 22,000 named persons have been initiated. In the last time of the war the cellar was bombed by some nazi sympathizers. The board then had made an “secret passage” to the cellar, and since then alle members of the Guild has received a golden key to this discreet back entrance. During the 65 years 22.117 golden keys have been produced.
Photo: Jens Morten