Frankfurt is the financial capital of Germany, and is popular as the only city in the country. But if one checks his eyes, he will find a common tradition between the rich and the poor, and between the bankers and bankrupt people, the so -called “water houses”.
These mild kiosas, also known as “Vesarhahhone”, have always been a unique feature of the city since the appearance of the second half of the nineteenth century.
In the past, when it was not advised to drink pipe water without boiling water, small stalls provided mineral water bottles, which were promoted to drink water at reasonable prices instead of beer and the remaining liquor.
These stalls flourished because they were not subject to the official closure of the stores, and their importance as useful distribution centers returned directly after World War II.
These days, water houses offer additional services: quick beer, sweets, newspapers, cigarettes and sometimes cafes service, sidewalk tables and sofa.
“People from youth to adults are very different. All different groups are here.”
“Water houses are socially meeting points … it is easy to achieve. Everyone is welcome here, this is a democratic place … If the city is not for the points, the city will have lost its human aspects,” said Hubert Sid, offering tours in the water houses scattered throughout Frankfurt.
According to seated data, there were 800 water booths in the city, but the number of new constructions and other factors decreased. City officials say there are now about 300 kiosas, and most of which are rented by beer or beverage distributors for their operators.
Photographer Stephen Hunning said today’s water houses “that everyone meets all about their assets and work conditions, and that they feel comfortable without being punished.”
“This is a positive feature of water houses. Usually go to those stalls and buy something and then go home. Here people meet from all social classes,” Hunning added.
