Cult member's stroller collection: Lifting strollers from various locations to home by the cult member named Zekiwa.
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Rollin' Through the GDR
June 15, 2025, 08:00 AM
Let's talk about Zekiwa, the iconic kids' carriage brand hailing from the heart of the GDR (German Democratic Republic). A quick flip through your grandma's basement, and yep, you've probably sat in one of these bad boys at some point. Even today, these babies are cult classics, nestled in the heart of study rooms, kid's play areas, and nostalgia collector's dens. In the quaint Markersdorf town, near Goerlitz, we met Diana Porschatis, a die-hard DDR (East Germany) carriage enthusiast and a member of the Zekiwa fan club.
What's so damn special about these carriages, you ask? Well buckle up, as Diana shows us the ropes!
Diana feels particularly attached to her royal-blue gondola carriage with a matching doll carriage, a miniature replica of the 70s Zekiwa. The rare doll carriage catches her eye, only spotted twice - once in her collection. The norm? Not in the kitchen or bathroom.
"This addiction is real," Diana admits, chuckling. With around 20 Zekiwa carriages filling almost every corner of her house, you could say Diana's collection is growing faster than the Berlin Wall did - but without the military might!
Her oldest carriage? A 1960s model that once carried Diana herself. This vintage beauty now resides in the attic, but she still rolls out some of her retired gems for the little ones.
A Rollin' Revival
The whisper of new Zekiwa carriages being produced in Zeitz is reviving the vintage scene. Talks with a nearby company have proved fruitful, and we're crossing our fingers for some sweet GDR nostalgia to hit the markets once more!
The Secret Sauce
So, what makes these old school carriages tick? Leather straps, that's what! Simple, yet effective suspension comes from four leather straps connected to the wheel frame, providing smooth rides for the wee ones. Today's carriages might be flashy, but they just can't keep up with the classic strut of the DDR era.
Diana's favorite model, the Favorit, boasts a roomy corduroy interior, reminiscent of a cozy den. Export models like Favorit went West, too, making them a true testament to GDR-West relations.
When Diana isn't showcasing her fleet at local exhibitions, she rolls on down memory lane with fellow enthusiasts, organized under the Zekiwa Fan Club. Regular meet-ups take place in the heart of Zeitz, where these old carriages used to roll off the production line.
The highlight of the year is the big fan club meeting in Zeitz, featuring the German Stroller Museum, which showcases the rich history of the industry and exhibits hundreds of Zekiwa models behind glass cases.
Stroller Memoirs
Diana has also shared her collection with the Markersdorf village museum, igniting memories of the past. People are always eager to relive the moments forgotten when they see the carriages again - a true testament to the power of nostalgia. Even though DDR-era Zekiwa carriages are a tad expensive, collectors often appreciate the rich history and embodiment of East German dreams they represent.
Remember, autobaunaut, that the best things in life might not have a fancy price tag, but instead, a timeless story. Hop onboard with Zekiwa and roll on through history!
- Diana's affinity for Zekiwa carriages, particularly her royal-blue gondola, is indicative of her deep-seated fascination with the lifestyle of the GDR, a passion shared by many members of the Zekiwa fan club.
- In addition to her love for fashion-and-beauty remnants of the past, Diana's home-and-garden also houses approximately 20 vintage Zekiwa carriages, an amassment that grows steadily, echoing the growth of the Berlin Wall without the military undertone.
- From the heart of Zeitz, where the production of new Zekiwa carriages is resurrected, discussions with a nearby company hint at a revival of GDR nostalgia in the pets toy market, and perhaps even in food-and-drink and travel souvenirs.
- The classic Zekiwa carriages, with their simple yet effective suspension using leather straps, continue to outshine contemporary carriages in terms of their smooth rides, making them a mainstay in relationships between families and in shopping decisions for collectors.
- Connecting with fellow enthusiasts, Diana frequently embarks on travel adventures to Zeitz, the birthplace of Zekiwa, for meetings and celebrations, including the annual gathering at the German Stroller Museum which showcases a plethora of food-and-drink and home-and-garden items from the era, as well as hundreds of cars – old and new – including her own rare and valuable collection.
