Ever wondered where the name Oldenfelde comes from? Oldenfelde means “Altes Feld” or old field. Today, we are exploring Oldenfelde. This charming area in Hamburg has a story that stretches back centuries.
Oldenfelde, now part of Rahlstedt, was first documented in 1296. Back then, it was a farming village in Holstein. For centuries, Oldenfelde belonged to the Amt Trittau in Schleswig-Holstein. Imagine a small village surrounded by fields. That was Oldenfelde.
From 1773 to 1864, Oldenfelde belonged to Denmark. Then, Schleswig-Holstein became part of Prussia. In 1927, Oldenfelde was incorporated into Rahlstedt. Finally, in 1937, the Greater Hamburg Act made it part of Hamburg.
Around 1708, seven large farms dominated Oldenfelde. These farms shaped the landscape. The village center was at the intersection of Oldenfelder Strasse and Delingsdorfer Weg. This is near the intersection of Berner Strasse and Bargteheider Strasse.
Around 1900, a new chapter began for Oldenfelde. After the opening of the railway line to Lubeck, wealthy Hamburgers started building villas here. This area west of the railway line became a desirable residential area.
After World War I, things changed again in Oldenfelde. Farmers sold land for building. Many people from the inner city created gardens and built homes here. This led to the creation of Oldenfelde-Siedlung. The quiet streets and relaxed atmosphere made it popular.
The Oldenfelder Siedler Interessengemeinschaft, or OSIG, was founded in 1924. It later became the Buergerverein Oldenfelde e.V. The reason was to address the housing shortage in Hamburg after World War I. People moved to the edge of the city.
One of the founders, Otto Sellmann, told how a group of men met in a basement pub to discuss where to look for land. They chose between Farmsen and Oldenfelde. Oldenfelde won. The OSIG was founded in this pub.
In 1925, the Oldenfelde settlement had about 40 houses. By 1931, this number grew to around 200. The community helped each other build homes.
Initially, there were no shops in Oldenfelde-Siedlung. Residents had to bring food from Hamburg. Water came from wells and lamps used petroleum for light. Around 1927, a wagon delivered groceries once a week. Later, Mrs. Lapuse sold milk, bread, and cake from a handcart. Electricity arrived in 1927.
Despite all the work, the residents of Oldenfelde also enjoyed socializing. In winter, they gathered for dances and celebrations. In summer, they organized summer festivals for children.
In 1939, the association bought land for children’s festivals. These festivals included parades with decorated handcarts. The adults met in the clubhouse for drinks in the evening.
A private path to Farmsen was built by the residents. They charged a fee to use it. It saved time compared to using the unpaved Stargarder Strasse.
After World War II, many families moved to Oldenfelde. They sought refuge in garden houses. By 1974, Oldenfelde had grown to about 20,000 residents. The organization changed its name to Buergerverein Oldenfelde e.V.
The Buergerverein Oldenfelde helped shape the sports fields near Berner Au. They also helped build a kindergarten. They created the flower-filled traffic island at Alter Zollweg.
Today, Oldenfelde is a popular residential area with good infrastructure. It has schools, shops, and sports facilities. In 2019, the association received the Environment and Social Prize of the Regional Committee Hamburg-Rahlstedt.
The nostalgic red signs are thanks to a support group. It consists of the Oldenfelde and Rahlstedt citizens’ associations and the Meiendorf volunteer fire brigade. The association also promoted the construction of the new Oldenfelde U-Bahn station.
In 2013, the association founded a project called “Sozialwerk Milchkanne im Buergerverein Oldenfelde e.V.” It supports a youth center, kindergartens, and school libraries. It also supports a breakfast program at a local school and gives seniors in nursing homes a Christmas gift.
The Buergerverein Oldenfelde publishes the “Oldenfelder Blatt” magazine. It comes out four times a year.
With 450 members, the Buergerverein Oldenfelde celebrated its 100th birthday on June 1, 2024. The association works hard to maintain the quality of life in Oldenfelde. It strives to adapt to the changing needs of the community. Oldenfelde remains a vibrant part of Hamburg.