A History of The Museum Building

Welcome to the Frankenmuth Historical Association Museum, located in the former Kern Commercial House Hotel, constructed in 1905. The original structure on this site was an 1882, two-story frame hotel. It was in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth and had a reputation as one of the best hotels according to its second owner, Lorenz Kern, who purchased it from the original owner, Heinrich Rau, in 1894.

When the brick Hotel was built in 1905, the frame structure was moved so that it attached to the rear of the brick section. The entire Hotel then had about six rooms to rent. Downstairs, a saloon was available for patrons, with a twenty-foot long bar table and matching wall mirror. A dining area for boarders was in the frame section next to the large kitchen where Mrs. Kern cooked. The Hotel's name, Commercial House, was derived from its function as a meeting place for the local merchants and traveling salesmen who displayed their products in the front parlor.

In 1942 the Frankenmuth News moved into the first floor of the Hotel while the saloon remained in business. At one time the News received national attention because it was the only newspaper with a saloon next to the office. In 1972, when the News outgrew the building, the Frankenmuth Historical Association purchased the historic hotel with contributions from Frankenmuth's 125th Anniversary Fund Campaign. The Frankenmuth Historical Museum opened its doors in August, 1973, following extensive building renovations.

History of Fischer Hall - The Gathering Place

Theodore Fischer came from Germany in 1876 and established himself by building the fourth hotel in Frankenmuth. In 1894 Fischer added a hall to the premises for guests and entertainers to perform and as a meeting place for Frankenmuth residents. He painted the Masonic Slogan "Einigkeit Macht Stark" (Strength Through Unity) on the arch over the hall's stage. Perhaps it was Fischer's Masonic affiliation, which the local church disapproved of, that prompted Fischer to build a hall for residents who might wish to indulge in "worldly activities." These activities included a 1906 Republican rally for Governor Warner, medicine shows, and from 1889 to 1956 the meetings and dances of the “Gray Fox Club”.

Perhaps the most famous story about Fischer Hall is the "Notorious Flint Party" of January 30, 1926. The Frankenmuth News reported the event, which was described as a "wild orgy," included "women dancers from Detroit" and led to the arrest and fining of 21 people, including two Frankenmuth residents who were “inadvertently caught up in the sweep” conducted by local law enforcement officials.

In 1950 the Zehnder family purchased the Fischer Hotel and Hall. William "Tiny" Zehnder Jr. donated the Hall to the Frankenmuth Historical Association in 1986. The Hall was moved 500 feet, from its location behind the Bavarian Inn, to its present location on Main Street, next to the Frankenmuth Historical Association Museum. The two buildings were connected creating space for a gift shop and offices upstairs. Today, Fischer Hall continues to serve its original purpose of hosting local events, weddings, performances, and small gatherings.

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