Archives 3

From Your Valentine

Exhibits Run: January 27 through March 17, 2006

Throughout the years Valentines have reflected changes in culture. Some themes such as animals, children, careers, etc. are woven into Valentines in each decade. Today’s Valentines might feature space travel, cartoons, popular toys, and movies.

Esther Howland created America’s first Valentines in her factory in Worchester, Massachusetts in 1848. They were expensive … only affordable to the upper class. Esther sold her company to the Whitney Mfg. Co. in the late 1890s and Whitney began producing inexpensive Valentines, with their trademark red heart, for children. Postcards were popular between 1900 and 1919. Raphael Tuck, a British card manufacturer, also printed cards in New York. Germany printed quality chromolithograph Valentines, decorated with forget-me-nots, birds, and doves (Venus’ messengers).

Roselynn Ederer’s collection represents the lives of three generations of her family. She invites you to take a nostalgic journey through a century of Valentines.

Ederer has had a lifelong interest in these special greeting cards. As a child, she became fascinated with the turn-of-the-century collection her grandmother kept in a large wooden cheese box. Her mother had kept all of her valentines exchanged during her one-room school days (1920s and 1930s) and Roselyn also kept childhood Valentines (1950s). All were stored away in the attic and forgotten for years.

In 1989, while volunteering at The Historical Museum of Saginaw County, Roselynn rediscovered and first displayed her collection, which now included cards received by her sister, an elementary school teacher and principal. This sparked her research. Ederer has shared some of her collection in her published book, From Your Valentine, available for purchase in the Museum Gift Shop.

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Turn of the Century Parlor …
Vassar, Michigan AND German Christmas Traditions

Exhibits Run: November 25 through January 31, 2005

As many small packages make for a great Christmas, Frankenmuth Historical has joined with Vassar Historical Society to make this a great Christmas display.

Vassar Historical Society has created a “Turn of the Century Parlor” which reflects the English settlers that first populated Vassar, Michigan.

As Dorothy Watt writes, “You’ll see no teens on the computer, dads watching TV, or moms on the phone in our turn of the century parlor. It was a simpler, slower-paced time in Vassar, the parlor being that very special place where friends and family gathered to create everlasting memories, and form their own treasured history.”

Vassar Historical Society was established in 1998. After many years of planning, this year the Society acquired a new home, now under renovation. The “Hoxie” house will soon provide space for exhibits and storage. For now, under the leadership of Pat Goggans, the group is focused on fundraising. A Vassar history video and "Sesquicentennial Cookbook: Vassar 1899-1999" are both available at C & S Jewelers and at the Bullard-Sanford Memorial Library in Vassar. Various culinary offerings are available at Vassar events, including the Pumpkin Roll and Riverfest.

Frankenmuth Historical Association’s portion of the Christmas displays includes a look at A German Christmas, featuring German furniture from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Joe (Bonnie) Dula.

An upside-down Christmas tree is decorated with handmade ornaments typical in late 19th century Germany. Scherenschnitte (ornaments cut from paper) add color to the tree. Springerle cookies, Lebkuchen stars and Marzipan ornaments add a touch of wimsy. Tradition gives Martin Luther (1483-1546) credit for first decorating an evergreen tree for Christmas. The first record, which documents this tradition was in 1605, in Strasbourg (in the Alsace region), “"Auf Weihenachten richtett man Dahnnenbäum zu Strasburg in den Stuben auf..." (at Christmas, in Strasbourg, they set up fir-trees, “Tannenbaum", in the parlors). In 1550, the first Tannenbaum ballad was in print. By the late 19th century, the custom had spread beyond Germany. The variation involving hanging the tree from the ceiling may have freed up more floor space or may have been to keep tiny hands from removing decorations from the tree.

The tradition of the Pelzenickel is from the Central Franconian region of Bavaria (southern Germany). In other parts of Germany the Knecht Ruprecht or Krampus make sure that all German children are good for Christmas.

(For more information about Christmas traditions, click on “Exhibit Archives” and then “Frankenmuth Christmas Primer 2003.”)

In her 1887 book, "Life Among the Germans", Emma Louise Parry describes the Christmas (Weihnacht) season (excerpts, below). In it, she mentions raisin men. In German they are called “Zwetschgenmänla” (prune people). They were sold at the Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg in the early 19th century, but according to tradition, were first made in Saxony, where it was believed that you would never be poor or unhappy if you had one of these figures in
the house.

Christmas in Germany! – How we Americans have been looking forward to the pleasure of this season, and it has been far beyond even our brightest dreams! From childhood days we began to have a love for the German Christmas. Our pretty little Christmas stories are from the German; there is a heartiness in the celebration of the Germans in our midst, and from many sources we have gained the impression that Germany is the land for the true Christmas … With us in America Christmas is chiefly a family celebration. True, we recognize its sacred origin, and the churches commemorate divine history; but when one sees the great religious festival of Germany’s Christmas, there comes the feeling that we have but faintly recognized the Christmas story in our holiday season. The distinguishing feature of the German Christmas is the religious ceremony, the observance of the time as a sacred and solemn season.

There are minor distinctions, aside from this one great fact, -- the religious character, -- which are at once noticed by a foreigner. In the home celebrations, we miss one or two of the sweet little joys found in the American home: the fascinating legend of Santa Claus, his reindeer, the ride over the house-tops, the descent through the chimney, and the waiting stockings. The little German child knows naught of the delight of our little ones, of sending letters with the flames up the chimney …of the stockings hung by the hearth, and the rushing to them in the early Christmas morn. Ah, we are glad not to have missed this sweet childhood dream, but how can it be possible in Germany, with no open hearths, and only these monumental white stoves?

… Early in the season, the city [Berlin] prepares for its holiday. How beautiful the city looks, made ready for the holidays. There are magnificent stores – all bewildering in artistic arrangement of bronzes, works of art in metal, bric-a-brac. And the toy stores! – there are the dolls in all the national costumes of the world, and windows all bristling with combating soldiers. You never saw such windows! And the candy stores! – no, the word “candy” is distinctively American, and never used across the waters: in Germany and France it is bonbons; in England, “sweets.” The Germans do not eat candy as a habit, as we do, but at Christmas time there – according to their idiom – “it goes loose!” But it is the “Pfeffer Kuchen”[i] that is the great distinguishing delicacy of Christmas-tide. It must be a fact that there is not a house, family, or person in Germany without this at this time. It is a sort of hard ginger or spice cake, sometimes with nuts, sometimes a chocolate cake, and made in all sorts of shapes. There are great squares and small ones, then stars, circles, animals, men, various shaped articles, round, diamond, hearts with verses upon them, some with candied surfaces, some with sugar in various designs and of various colors; some done up in little bundles in colored or gilt paper – O, it is impossible to tell all the tempting forms these sweets take! Everybody buys. The stores are crowded for weeks … The flower stores are a feast to the eyes … The lovely stores, the fresh, simple-hearted, pretty-mannered girls, in the flower world of Germany, exist to make life better and happier … Flowers are a factor not to be omitted among Christmas joys.

What else? We linger at the stores. The butcher or meat shops must not be forgotten. You would scarcely know a meat shop here as a relative of that abominably ugly place we call by that name in America. Think of entering such a store: marble mosaic floors, walls beautifully painted in pictures, high-frescoed ceilings, and, amid flowers and plants, on marble tables and counters, the cleanest, most tempting meats, cooked, garnished, -- all served by rosy German girls in white aprons and caps! Such is the German butcher shop. People stand and gaze in the windows as at any art store. At Christmas time they are at the height of their glory, for then every one must have meat, which is often a rarity in German families …

It is hard to leave the stores, but we must hasten to the markets. Every open square has been turned into a market. Some are for the sale of Christmas trees, and there is that odor throughout the city, -- the sight of the trees, the spicy odor, adding to the “Christmas feeling.” Every family must have its tree, so these squares are little fragrant forests for weeks before the holiday. Other squares have booths, with articles for presents. As the handsome stores have revealed the Christmas of the rich German society, so here we read the Christmas joys of this other – the peasant class in the large city … All sorts of wooden animals, knit dolls, all varieties of caps, -- the German men and boys seem fond of caps, -- shoes of queer shapes and materials[ii], candles, wax figures, woolen articles, nuts gilded and decorated, and everywhere – Pfeffer Kuchen.

Then there is the great Weihnacht’s Markt at the Schloss Platz. In the open square about the Old Palace in Berlin, booths are erected where the people may sell their wares. How some of these poor people look forward for months to this market, when they may be able to make a little money! The market holds for two weeks; alas if it is rainy weather! … This market is the relic of the centuries. In the last few years of the wonderful growth of Berlin, it has been thought that this was “too rustic, too country-like,” and that it should be abandoned, but the old Emperor says that as long as he lives it shall remain, as so many poor people delight in it, and for some poor children it is the greatest pleasure of the holidays. And such crowds of children! – each screaming, yelling, “only ten Pfennige!” – children with picture books, whips, whistles, rattles, birds, running after the visitors, plead and beg until you must buy … Booths, hundreds of them, offer for sale wax candles, tree ornaments, knit garment, carved articles, musical instruments, dolls innumerable, and – Pfeffer Kuchen! The floating merchants are ridiculous as they mingle with the crowds and cry out their wares in humorous rhymes. America plays a great role in the Weihnacht’s Markt.

“Hier is die reiche Tante Veronika (Here is rich aunt Veronika)

Gerade aus America – (Straight from America)

Kommt nur einmal das Jahr!” (Who comes just once a year!)

Is the song as they display some jumping figure. It is all laughable …

In the homes, Christmas begins to reign long before the authorized holidays, -- here is the very heart of Christmas joy. What preparations must be made, -- what a long list to be remembered! Everybody is remembered; usually with only a little thing, a mere trifle, yet beautiful, as expressing thought, remembrance. The German heart just expands and opens itself at Christmas time. The one thought that fills the being is give: no wonder it is a happy, happy time, for mankind is happiest when giving. We venture to say that there is no one in the land who does not receive and give, and even the poorest and most wretched must have a moment of happiness – it may be the only time in the year – on Christmas day … A box was packed to be sent to the country relatives, -- each one remembered: bunches of artificial flowers, ribbons, fans bracelets (silver, with “Gott schütze dich” [God loves you] engraved on them), Edelweiss pins, fancy aprons, reticules, and knit garters, wash-rags, laces, collars, raisin men, toys, -- O, what not?

And in all, over all, mixed with all, Pfeffer Kuchen! On each the name was written, and a verse, and the joy of the receivers was anticipated in a lively manner! … And the return box from the country relatives! Knit articles beyond enumeration or description; such meat, sausages! – such butter, cheeses! A breath from the farm-house, the freshness of the open land, comes with the box, and town and country unite in Christmas joy.

The post-wagons, -- yellow, beetle-like affairs, -- are rattling all day, the post-horn blows incessantly, and the great wagons stand at the railroad stations to receive the countless packages, boxes, bundles, greetings of kind hearts. And how each family rushes to the window as the post-wagon stops, and each wonders – “Is it ours?” and ears listen intently to note at which landing, on which side of the hall, the quick step halts, and the bell sounds loud to the listening ear. Every one is in the most pleasant expectancy, and each household in the happy recipient state. O, it is charming! And dear old Christmas is blessed again and again for its spell of happiness in this work-day world of ours.

It is a time for the poor … In wealthy families there is a special celebration for their poor. Through the kindness of Mrs. M., through whom so many of my German experiences have been gained, I was privileged to witness such a Bescherung [distribution of Christmas presents] at their home.

It was a scene never to be forgotten, and the salon that has witnessed so many Thursday evening receptions … A long table, laden with gifts, and bright with a lighted Christmas-tree, awaited the expectant families. We few invited guests kept back in the corner, -- the feast was not ours. The piano in this room was played, and from the other room came the music of voices united in “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht.” The doors opened, and the families (thirty or more, with the addition of many little ones) came in and took their designated places at the table. Dr. S. had been invited to speak to them, and the words of the short address and of the prayer that followed, amidst such a scene, brought tears to every eye, -- one of our young gentlemen could not restrain his sobs, and left the room. Then, spontaneously the children joined in the exercises. One after the other the little ones approached Mrs. A. – more a Holbein Madonna than ever, as she lovingly stood among them, those she labors for, and whose cares burden her heart and rest upon her even as upon them. The children spoke verses or sang songs with pleasure to be able to add their gift. It was delightful! Then the happy faces as the gifts were examined! These friends had been sewing for weeks to make happiness where trial is known; and the abundance of warm garments, of all necessary articles, was true help to them. Each seemed to receive just what was needed – shoes, stockings, quilts, skirts, underwear, mittens, and what awoke pleasure they could not help showing; each family received a large piece of meat, groceries, and a Thaler [coin] …

This over, we adjourned to the drawing-room for our celebration, and now comes the fun! We all received some little token – just for fun! You cannot imagine the wit and fun and surprise of the evening! … The gifts were all absurd, and accompanied by verses. One young man, a student of philosophy, actually says he understands Hegel; so he got an owl,
with this verse:

Here’s a fowl,
He’s an owl;
See him think,
Watch him wink,
Will you not?
He reflects
And dissects
German thought.
But he’s baffled and perplexed,
Shall I tell you why he’s vexed?
‘Tis no wonder, you will grant, --
He would understand Hegel and (C) Kant!”

My gift was no joke, and I was the happiest there; in a little red plush frame, a picture of Mrs. A., and the writing, “One cannot give more than one’s self.”

… Indeed in many ways they endeavored to make me not miss home at this time. They asked all about the American Christmas dinner, and allowed me to invite several of the Americans to dinner, where the turkey was prepared with close observance to American recipe, and the Preiselbeeren [bilberry] made to resemble our own cranberries, and the city scoured for a rare bunch of celery that cost an extraordinary sum …

Christmas is not only giving; it is also worshiping. It is not all amusement – it is devotion; not all pleasure, but religion …

On Christmas Eve, the gospel story of Bethlehem is read. The Christmas celebration is held in the families on Christmas Eve. It is called the “Holy Night” [Heilige Nacht]. From every window blazes a Christmas tree, -- a vast illumination through the city. Every family has a tree; even though it be a little branch of green, a humble family may gather about it, and find a sacred happiness there, that may touch our hearts to deeper reverence and love. Here is not a rush for gifts and forgetfulness of the Giver. A ceremony must precede – and no gift is touched until the Giver is thanked. Before the lighted tree, the family stands in devotion: “Holy Night” is sung with solemn hearts, the story is read with loving remembrance, the prayer is offered in fervent gratitude. Is it not right on a sacred holiday?

The nation as well as the family makes it a religious season. For several days church is held twice a day, and the churches are filled. It is the time for that wonderful music when the glorious chorals of Bach and Handel fill the sacred places with divine harmonies. The children are gathered for service – not of entertainment, but of the responsive reading of the same story of the Babe in Bethlehem …

It is right to make this a religious festival, to keep foremost the birth of our Savior. May this spirit grow in our midst, and may not merry-making eclipse the bright light of holiness that radiates this sacred time, and, while the heart is filled with gladness, good-will, joy, let it learn sweet new lessons of love, reverence, adoration, and peace in Christ, once the Babe bringing that first “Holy Night.”

[i] In Nuremberg, the cookies were Lebkuchen.

[ii] This may refer to the tradition of Bertha of the Hearth or of St. Nicholas, both of whom leave a coin or some other present in the shoe of each good child.

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St. John's Church

Celebrating 125 years ~ A Christian's Life

Exhibit Runs: May 24, 2005 through August 28, 2005

(Excerpts from Gretchen Rau’s 125th Anniversary book)

In a 125-year journey to get to this time in history, people have traveled by ocean, land and lakes on a spiritual route to establish St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth and “Share the Good News.” That goal and purpose continue at the present time and prayerfully, will continue into the future.

A century-and-a-half-ago the family bond was tight and the family’s grip on their spirituality was even tighter. Many of today’s St. John’s members trace their heritage to the founding fathers, and remembering their early training to be God-fearing, have remained true to the words of Holy Scripture.

When settled in 1845, Frankenmuth was foreboding – a forest with thickets and swamps. There were no roads, no pathways; just plenty of mosquitoes, even wild animals. It was truly an unsettled frontier but one that attracted the German immigrant. Hard workers and serious caretakers of the land, the Germans settling in Frankenmuth were credited in 1858, 13 years after its founding, as being industrious to the point of erecting two churches, two schoolhouses, roads and bridges, stores, a grist mill, sawmills and farms that were considered the best in Michigan …

The abstract of the Johann Andreas Reif, Jr. and Elizabeth Barbara Reif farm northwest of Frankenmuth on Dehmel Road, dated July 12, 1856 (for the benefit and occupancy of a Lutheran Community), indicates that a group forming Bethel Lutheran Church was organized in 1856, and the log church constructed on the Reif property was Frankenmuth’s second church.

The founding of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth (1880) came as a merger of two small Frankenmuth Township congregations: St. Paul’s – the Butler School on Canada Road, four miles south of the village; and Bethel – on Dehmel Road in Mittelfranken, about two miles north of St. Lorenz Church; plus a few St. Lorenz members … Bethel, a rural church, was located in a dense area midway between Frankenmuth and Frankentrost … In reference to the July 12, 1856 dated abstract, the text reads (in part) as follows: “For the use, benefit and occupancy of a Lutheran Community that shall be hereafter organized in due form according to the law and including said herein before described premises, that such community may erect upon said premises any meeting house and or parsons house or houses and may use any part of said premises as burial ground …” A log church and parsonage were built on the site and a cemetery was established [Pastor Conrad Volz’ 1st recorded official acts were in 1862]. Although not used for burials today, the cemetery on the east side of Dehmel Road is the property of St. John’s Lutheran Church …

St. John’s was served by ten different pastors from 1880-1897 then John Zink was called and ministered to the congregation for 21 years before leaving in 1918. From 1918-1932 called Pastor Franz Cares served St. John’s until his untimely death in 1932. His successor, the Rev. Leo Kaesmeyer, served less than a year (1932-1933) before he died at the age of 37 after a Sunday Mission Festival service. From 1934-1961 (and also into his retirement), the Rev. August Kehrberg was the called servant of the Word at St. John’s. He died in 1986. Retired pastor Gerhard Struck assisted at St. John’s from 1983 until his death in 1990. All but Pastor Zink are buried in St. John’s Cemetery [on Tuscola and Gunzenhausen Streets].

Pastor Joel T. Ehlert, called to St. John’s in 1965, will celebrate 40 years in the WELS ministry and a 40-year pastorate at St. John’s in July, 2005. Pastor Ehlert, along with the four called and one assistant/retired pastor, named above, have served St. John’s for over 110 years of its 125-year history.

In appreciation to Almighty God for the 125 years of tender mercies, boundless love and unfailing blessings, we ask for His continued loving guidance so this congregation can steadfastly “Share the Good News” as it goes forth into history, remaining faithful to His Word and singing His praises.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Gretchen A. Rau
July, 2005

For more on St. John’s Lutheran, Frankenmuth, go to: www.geocities.com/~stjohnsluther/
and click on “Read our History”

Graphics in the exhibit were courtesy of Swartz Sign Graphics www.swartzgraphics.com

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Frankenmuth, Michigan's Kern Hotel (1905)

Exhibit Runs: February 7, 2005 through April 31, 2005
(click any image for a larger view)

Frankenmuth Historical Association is housed in a patchwork quilt of a building. The part that has been our home the longest (since 1972) is the brick building that was built in 1905 under the name Commercial House Hotel, or as most people knew it, "Kern Hotel." Pictured at right.

The first Commercial House Hotel was a frame building built by
Heinrich Rau in 1882 and purchased by Lorenz KernNovember 1, 1894.
In 1905 the frame building was moved towards the river and the present brick structure constructed (Lorenz is pictured, holding a stallion's bridle, in front of the hotel. In the photograph of the bar interior, you can see the tin ceiling, twenty-foot long bar and matching mirror. Lorenz Kern is at the right, next to bartender John Roedel. The patrons, left to right, are Sigmund Rupprecht,Walter Haas, Winfried Rau, Charles Vanek, and
Edward Karolinski.)

Mrs. Kern is credited with introducing the concept of "all-you-can-eat chicken dinners" to the community, when she catered the wedding reception of Mr. M.B. Mills of Detroit and Miss Lila Eddy of Saginaw in September 1899. The building remained a hotel with a bar until ca. 1943 when Lorenz Kern retired and the Frankenmuth News moved into the building (pictured at right).

From 1941-1968 Clint Grainger and his wife Helen and two sons lived
upstairs in the rear of the building. Otto   Gerson had a bookkeeping service in the upper front office. The Family Bar occupied the old barroom until ca. 1950. In 1972, the News moved again and the building became the home of Frankenmuth Historical Association as part of a Frankenmuth
Sesquicentennial (125th anniversary) community improvement project.

In 1974 the building was expanded to provide exhibit and office space. In 1987, as part of a second expansion, Fischer Hall was moved from behind the Bavarian Inn through the parking lot to the north end of our site, and a 2-story connecting building (for the Museum's shop and office) was built.

In addition to artifacts from the museum collection, the Kern family has generously loaned tables, chairs, china, glassware, and a clock from the hotel. Many of the images are from family photographs. More information about the Kern family is available at: www.millingtonnews.net

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Semptress' Workshop:
Preparing for the Holidays in the Sewing Room

November 26, 2004 through January 31, 2005

What does one do when faced with a collection of over
300 handkerchiefs, as well as various fabrics, sewingtools, quilts …
with preparations for Christmas to consider? One creates a "Semptress' Workshop" of course! Volunteer curator, Laurajeanne Kehn has
taken a tongue-in-cheek viewpoint on Santa's
Workshop for her Christmas exhibit theme.

"Semptress" is an Old English version of the word "seamstress" and is the title of a woman whose artistry is expressed in fabric. Laurajeanne comesfrom a long line of "semptresses." Some of the pieces in the exhibit are family heirlooms. Why collect 300 handkerchiefs? Laurajeanne said, "Because somebody made them and I appreciated what they had done. I didn't want someone to buy them who wouldn't appreciate them."

According to The Workwoman's Guide (1838), 19th century pocket handkerchiefs were made of French cambric, fine lawn, Scotch
cambric, cotton, or silk -- the former for ladies, the latter for gentlemen. Children's were made of Lawn and Scotch Cambric.
Cotton handkerchiefs were made for the working classes.
Ladies' handkerchiefs are usually eleven or twelve nails square
(1 nail is 2 ¼ inches). Cambric handkerchiefs for gentlemen
are larger than those for ladies, perhaps fourteen or fifteen nails.
Most of these would be white, as linens were boiled as part of the
laundry process and not all 19th century dyes were colorfast.
Lace, drawn-thread work, appliqué and embroidery provided
decorative detail.

In the November 11, 1918 Saginaw
News, an advertiser recommended
that readers Buy Your Christmas Handkerchiefs Now. "Acting on government orders, we have made every preparation for handling the bulk of our Xmas business early. To be sure of the best, and to get the lowest prices, we advise the selection of your needs in this department as soon as possible. Endless assortment now ready.
Beautiful new designs, some are of pure linen,
all white, with embroidered corners, in white and colors, others of fine sheer material with tiny colored borders, and colored embroidered
corners. A wonderful variety to choose from.
All prices from 10c to $2.50 each."

Khaki handkerchiefs were offered for soldiers.
Others were linen or "Irish Shamrock Lawn"
(for the Ladies).

As printing methods improved, handkerchiefs became more colorful. Printed fabrics serve as documents for the decorative styles of their period. Art deco designs appeared in the 1920s, and bold geometric designs were popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

It was the popularity of Kleenex tissues in the 1940s and 1950s, however, that signaled the end
of a handkerchief in each purse and pocket.

Looking for craft ideas for handkerchiefs? The sites listed below had instructions for handkerchief-based pieces that could be used as Christmas decorations (as of 23 Nov. 2004).

http://www.mycraftbook.com/ (handkerchief sachet)

http://home.att.net/~dleddy/Handkerchiefs.html (handkerchief dolls, pillows, etc.)

http://www.sampler.com/decideas/archives/archivedec02/project1.html
(tree skirt)

http://www.geocities.com/traditions_uk/crafts.html (parasol ornaments)

http://www.usd259.com/media/crafts/handkerchief-dolls.htm (doll)

http://www.diskuspublishing.com/otorna.html (handkerchief angel)

http://vancewilson.com/oldhankies/ohdefault.htm is a website for collectors

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