Frankenmuth Historical

Association

613 South Main Street

Frankenmuth, Michigan  48734

Phone:  (989) 652-9701

Fax:  (989) 652-9390

 

 

 

 

 


Now Showing in the Leona Geyer Gallery:

KINDERPLATZ

 Kinderplatz is German for a Child’s Place. For 2008, the Leona Geyer Gallery will be a place where children of all ages can explore. Hands-on activities are combined with displays of artifacts from the museum collection. Each month a portion of the exhibit area will change:

February: First Ladies of Fashion and their children

March: Books (March is Reading Month)

April: Clothing & Dress (with a closet of clothes to “Try-On” adult roles)

May through August: Music, Toys and Games (with hands-one activities)

September: Writing Constitutions

October: Who was Columbus?

November: Michigan Indians

December: A Child’s Christmas

 

 

Reading

When Wilhelm Busch (1832-1908)

wrote his cartoon book, Max und Moritz: eine Bubengeschichte in sieben Streichen, he intended it for adult readers. His satirical picture stories gained him the status of one of the forefathers of the modern comic strip. It is said that some of the practical jokes described in the book were based on memories of Busch’s  childhood escapades. When he ended the story with the pranksters’ demise, Busch knew his adult readers would see this as fantasy. Real pranksters must be dealt with by other methods.

 

Clothing & Toys

 

Henry Fischer's Souvenirs from Cuba

 

 

On October 10, 1898, Cuba first declared its independence after the Spanish-American War ended (formal independence was May 20, 1902).  Soon after that time, Theodore Fischer (Henry Fischer's father), and George Hubinger decided to go to Cuba to buy tobacco for cigars.  Fischer and Hubinger traveled by train to Florida then by ship to Cuba, under the protection of the U.S. Army, based at Guantanamo Bay.  Henry's outfit was purchased on this trip. His pride of possession was recorded by Wm. Stromer, soon after the photographer arrived in the Vassar-Frankenmuth area.


SHAKESPEARE'S MACBETH

 

Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company presents Macbeth in Fischer Hall

Thursday, May 1 @ 7:30 pm

Friday, May 2 @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, May 3 @ 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm 

 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

 

Having just finished a run of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream, Pigeon Creek follows up that play with one of the Bard's darkest tragedies, Macbeth.  Pigeon Creek's performance style is fast-paced, high-energy and extremely audience-interactive.

 

"Fair is foul and foul is fair" as PCSC returns to the museum with Shakespeare's famous tragedy of character, lust for power, betrayal and supernatural.  "Macbeth" is one of Shakespeare's later plays, and his shortest tragedy.  Long regarded with fear and superstition by theatre professionals, PCSC will recreate the Thane and his wife, along with the wicked sisters and the drunken porter, at their own peril.  Thought to be one of the bard's plays designed for indoor viewing, the "Scottish Play" is rife with unseen sounds, dark night scenes, murder, regicide and madness.

 

Shakespeare's Macbeth does contain scenes of violence and some sexual references.  Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company recommends parental guidance for children 12 and under.

 

For more information, visit www.pcshakespeare.com

 


  
Book Your Next Event Here!

Fischer Hall exterior

Fischer Hall interior
A dulcimer concert held at Fischer Hall.

"American Chillers" book signing in Fischer Hall

Fischer Hall, a community meeting place built in 1894, is adjacent to the Museum at 613 South Main and is ideal for your next event. 

  • Suggested uses: meetings, receptions, showers, performances, parties, reunions.

  • Capacity: 125 seated theater style/100 banquet style, with air conditioning

  • Layout: Tables & chairs provided so that you can set up the hall in any way you want

  • Audio/Visual: Large screen, VCR, podium with microphone. New lighting

  • Meal Service: Kitchenette is available if a meal or snack is part of your plans. You are responsible for arranging catering. Museum staff can provide names of several fine caterers in the area.

  • Price: Friday & Saturday - $150.00/day.  Sunday-Thursday - $75.00/day.  Non-profit rate:  Sunday-Thursday $25.00/day

  • Please call (989) 652-9701 to book the facility.

This distinctive facility has hosted events in Frankenmuth for over 100 years.  Why not hold your next event in this beautiful historic location?


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" (Togetherness makes strength) 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 Gray Fox Club held its meetings and dances in the Hall.

 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 called an "orgy," included "women dancers from Detroit" and led to the fining of 21 people. Two were held for possession of liquor.

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. In addition to theatrical performances the Hall continues to be used for its original purpose of local events, weddings, and small gatherings.

 

11/26/07


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613 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, Michigan 48734
(989) 652-9701

Copyright © 1997-2007. Frankenmuth Historical Association