In short, between the two editions of this book, there are a lot of differences. But the goal remains the same: to tell Mangombroux, this little piece of Verviers territory which has never really had official recognition on a civil level. “Unlike Heusy or Stembert, Mangombroux has never been a commune.” Mangombroux, in fact, is a parish. “We don’t have roots as deep as Stembert, who has a real village spirit. But we have a real identity.” Identity which still lives very well, in particular thanks to youth movements.
In his book, Claude Yvens tells the story of Mangombroux since “his beginnings”. Back when it was just marshy land where two rivers meet. “Besides, “brou” means swamp.” And “Mangom” is for butchers. “Because the slaughterhouse was at the end of the river, before entering town.”
In his book, he also talks about the “war” around the mills, but also about the much more recent life of the neighborhood, such as the construction of the church which formalized the existence of Mangombroux. Or even the fact that, during the interwar period, Mangombroux was “the place to be” in terms of leisure. “There was a swimming pool. Even two if you count the open-air pool. We also had a velodrome in which a Tour de France champion came to compete in the 1920s.” There is that, but also lots of other anecdotes.
In short, if you live in Mangombroux, or not, and the history of the neighborhood interests you, Claude Yvens’ book is available in most bookstores in the Verviers region for €30.
More books to be published
Claude Yvens’ book was released by the publishing house of… Claude Yvens, which is called MGBX Media. “We will release two books per year: one on automobiles and the other on regionalization.” The first on the automobile, it’s done. “It’s called 24H24. He talks about the first edition of the 24 Hours of Spa.” The first book on regionalization is also now a done deal.
As for the second automotive book… it already exists. “It talks about the life of Paul Breuer, an automobile designer from Verviers who now lives in Italy.” It already exists, but only in a version in English and Italian. “We will soon release the one in French.” And regarding the second book “region”, “it is called “Verviers, noses in the air”. During Covid, I went for walks a lot. And I realized that there are lots of little things that we miss.” This book therefore aims to draw the attention of walkers to all these little things. “I am also considering making a series, with one book per municipality in the region.”
