Founded in 1850 the Rostocker Wingolf stands proudly. Five theology students established this Christian student association. They were previously members of the Berlin and Erlangen Wingolf. Returning to Mecklenburg they founded a Rostock chapter.
The early years were tough. Recruiting students proved difficult. The Rostocker Wingolf nearly dissolved. Support from fellow Wingolf members was crucial for survival. Their initial meeting place was in Warnemünde.
As other student associations grew stronger the Rostocker Wingolf found its place. By the early 1900s it was one of the strongest Wingolf groups. In the 1890s they even led the Wingolfsbund. This was remarkable given their smaller membership compared to other groups like those in Halle Erlangen and Heidelberg.
Regular gatherings and theological discussions defined their active life. They planned to build a house. In 1913 they moved into a building on Friedrichstrasse.
Under the Nazi regime the Rostocker Wingolf had to suspend operations in 1936. They sold their house in 1938. However a secret alumni organization continued.
After World War II the Clausthaler Wingolf Catena formed in Clausthal-Zellerfeld. At the Rostocker Wingolf’s 100th anniversary in 1950 the alumni established a reciprocal relationship with Catena. This helped Catena while the Rostocker Wingolf couldn’t rebuild in the GDR. In 1958 the alumni offered the active members the Rostocker band. This kept the spirit of the Rostocker Wingolf alive.
Following German reunification there were plans to restart eastern German Wingolf associations. The Clausthaler Catenen with the Rostocker band created a building fund in 1991. Active members returned to Rostock in 1995. They initially met in shared apartments. In 2002 their new house was inaugurated.
The Rostocker Wingolf and Clausthaler Wingolf Catena maintain a strong relationship. They celebrate their foundation festivals together. Currently the Rostocker Wingolf has over 30 student members. Since the late 1990s they organize a beach party called the Strandkneipe right on the Baltic Sea coast.
The Wilhelm-Hagemeyer-Haus is their home. It was renovated between 2000 and 2001. Parts of this building date back to the 13th century making it one of Rostock’s oldest houses. A generous donation made the renovation possible. The house reopened in 2002. It’s named after the Hagemeyer couple who funded the restoration. Their house stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Rostocker Wingolf.