German decoration and family history and tradition is very important to the Bavarian Inn Family. All around the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge we showcase our traditions and history in art, photographs and decorations. Located at the Bavarian Inn Lodge there are 8 stained glass murals located in the Conference Center. Over the next 8 weeks we will showcase one mural. This is week 2.
In 1973, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant lower lobby was redecorated and transformed into a “family room”. These stained glass, free-handing panels, fashioned by local artist Bob Vavrina, were focal points and conversation pieces of the room. The windows were illuminated during the day by the outside light.
In 1987, during a large renovation to the Restaurant’s lower lobby, the stained class was put in storage. Now they are on display again – this time in the beautiful Bavarian Inn Lodge across the Cass River from the Restaurant.
Our third mural is the Religious Heritage Window:
Top – Martin Luther’s Coat of Arms
Center – Log Cabin Church
This replica of the first church/parsonage was erected by Wm. “Tiny” Zehnder, Jr. in 1962. The Church Bells in the forest were cast in Nuernberg, Germany and brought to Frankenmuth in 1845 by the first group of 15 settlers.
Bottom – Horse and Buggy
Typical horse and buggy as used by the early settlers.
Right Center – August H. Mayer
Pastor Meyer assisted his son, Emmanual A. Mayer in the pastoral office from 1894-1900.
Left Center – Wilhelm Loehe
Pastor Loehe from Neuendettelsau, Germany was responsible for establishing the four Franken communities: frankenmuth, Frankentrost, Frankenlust and Frankenhilf (Richville).
Stay tuned for the next 5 Stained Glass Murals. All the stained glass murals in this series are available for viewing to all guests located in the Conference Center of the Bavarian Inn Lodge.
