Frankenmuth

A fter a treacherous journey aboard a rickety boat across the sea for fifty days, fifteen settlers from the area of Middle Franconia, Bavaria arrived in the harbor of New York. Traveling by steamboat, train, and even foot, the settlers finally made their way to the Saginaw Valley and to present- day Frankenmuth. August 18, 1845 is known as the day Frankenmuth was founded, and 175 years later in 2020, residents of our small but mighty community celebrated in true Frankenmuth-style. While the residents of Frankenmuth today did not experience the struggle of sailing across the open sea to a new land, they've courageously navigated the waters that are the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and the year 2020 as a whole. Many residents were excited to get out and explore their city for such a special occasion after months of seclusion. Frankenmuth Historical Museum offered free admission to their exhibits and the first 175 guests received a complimentary birthday cupcake. St. Lorenz Lutheran Church opened the doors to the church, log cabin, and historical building to share the history of Frankenmuth. Businesses throughout town offered specials and deals on the day of the founding – August 18 – and some even continued these offers throughout the month in celebration. Guests were able to enjoy the music stylings of the Gemütlichkeit Club and performances by Da Frankenmuda Fratz'n. "Muth Means Courage" commemorative banners adorned the street posts, and businesses and residents flew their 175th Anniversary flags with pride on their flag poles and in front of their homes and storefronts. While it wasn't quite the extravagant celebration our community had begun planning nearly a year ago, it was still a special commemoration to the town we all know and love. As we continue to navigate the coming months during this uncertain time, we can all take pride in knowing that the name of our city stands for the courage our settlers had and the courage our neighbors continue to hold close. 175 Years in the 18

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