A reunion in the residential towers

In December, an extraordinary event took place in the middle of the four large student residence towers: Anette and Ernst, two former residents, returned to the place where their shared history began over 54 years ago to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. It was a huge surprise for both of them: on a secret mission, their three daughters had organized a nostalgic trip back in time to Aachen, which was to take not only the celebrating couple but also their old friends back in time.

The story of Ernst and Anette began in the 1970s. Anette, then a biology and Romance studies student, had been living in the towers for some time and was one of the first few women to be allowed to live in the towers, which until then had only been inhabited by men.

Anette found the one and only in 1970 at a birthday party in one of the basement bars. The budding civil engineer Ernst had just moved into the Otto Petersen House, while Anette lived in the Walter Eilender House on what was then the “ladies' floor”. Their first kiss took place on the Lousberg only a short time later - from then on, their life together took its course: for several years, the two commuted back and forth between the neighboring towers and enjoyed their student life together. In 1974, they finally tied the knot in Aachen's registry office, moved away from Aachen and had their daughters, some of whom now live in the border triangle again.

Reunion in the towers
On the occasion of their anniversary, their closest friends from the past traveled to Aachen - the best men Wim and Ulla as well as the former “matchmaker” Marie-Luise. All three had once lived in the towers as students. When the daughters asked if they wanted to reminisce with the couple as surprise guests, they immediately agreed. Ernst and Anette's secret wish was to come true: A reunion at the place where it all began and which offered so many formative experiences.

The small party particularly enjoyed the breathtaking view over Aachen from the former rooms. They were accompanied by some of the current residents, who listened with interest to the stories about life back then. With a collection of old photos in hand, the couple guided their guests through their student days, and even though their old “digs” have been partly folded up and rebuilt, old relics such as wall cupboards and the remains of shelving reminded them of times gone by. “This was my study space,” says Ernst in his former room, which still only measures 12 square meters. Back then, his head was smoking from all the studying, but partying was also a big thing: “We used to party here in the room with a dozen students. Those were the days!”

Uninvited guests from the villa district
Anette, who became a teacher after graduating, always likes to remember the romantic gestures her husband made during their time in Rütscher Strasse. For example, Ernst and his friend Wim once picked large bouquets from a flowering redthorn hedge in the neighboring Nizzaallee. Late in the evening, they knocked on the doors of their friends' rooms to present them with these unexpected gifts. The joy was immense - until the young women were horrified to discover the guests they had brought with them the next morning. “The bouquets were full of aphids!” says Anette, who can laugh heartily about it today with her friend Ulla.

The financial challenges were very different back then. Even though the rent in the towers was only 80 DM, the students were not financially secure. When Ernst wanted to invite Anette to dinner, for example, he had to roll tires to earn some extra money. “That was hard backbreaking work,” he smiles.

Champagne reception with “Peggy Sue”
The highlight was the final visit to the Motorbar, where a few champagne corks were popped to celebrate the day. The famous couple's photo was recreated in the bar's “wagon”. When the students then played Buddy Holly's “Peggy Sue” in the legendary cellar bar, time almost seemed to stand still. Amidst these touching memories, everyone once again realized how much the shared experiences and humour of the past had shaped the foundation of their long-standing relationship. It was not just a look back at times gone by, but also a celebration of the love and friendship that - just like the four old towers - has endured all these years.