Nippes, first documented in 1549 as the residence "am Nippes," has been a district of Cologne for 120 years. Originally, it belonged to the lordship of Mauenheim, which was part of the Electorate of Cologne. It was located north of the Free Imperial City of Cologne, surrounded by a medieval city wall. From the Eigelsteintorburg, one could reach "am Nippes" via the Neusser Chaussee after about 1.5 kilometers.

On April 1, 1888, Nippes, which had formed an independent municipality together with the neighboring town of Riehl since early 1887, was incorporated into the city of Cologne. This date also marks the starting point for this picture book. Through approximately 200 previously unpublished photos, Reinhold Kruse and Wolfgang Klein, who are well-versed in the history of Nippes, document the history of their district up to the 1970s. The vivid images, mostly sourced from private photo albums, primarily depict everyday life in Nippes, private and public festivals and celebrations, church and school life, clubs, and the working world. They not only illustrate the development of the district but also evoke memories and invite new discoveries.