Frankenmuth, Michigan

Infobox Settlement
official_name = City of Frankenmuth, Michigan
settlement_type = City
nickname = Little Bavaria, Muth, The Muth


imagesize = 250px
image_caption = The Bavarian Inn in downtown Frankenmuth


imagesize = 250px
image_caption = The Bavarian Inn in downtown Frankenmuth

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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location of Frankenmuth, Michigan.
image_

seal_size = 125px


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_name1 = Michigan
subdivision_name2 = Saginaw
government_type = nowrap|Commission-Manager
leader_title =
leader_name =
leader_title1 = Mayor
leader_name1 = Gary C. Rupprecht
leader_title2 = City Manager
leader_name2 = Charles B. Graham
area_magnitude = 1 E8
area_total_km2 = 7.2
area_total_sq_mi = 2.8
area_land_km2 = 7.1
area_land_sq_mi = 2.7
area_water_km2 = 0.2
area_water_sq_mi = 0.1
elevation_m = 193
elevation_ft = 633
latd = 43 |latm = 19 |lats = 56 |latNS = N
longd = 83 |longm = 44 |longs = 31 |longEW = W
population_as_of = 2000
population_note =
population_total = 4838
established_title = Settled
established_date = 1845
established_title2 = nowrap|Incorporated (village)
established_date2 = January 14, 1904
established_title3 = Incorporated (city)
established_date3 = October 1, 1959
timezone = EST
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = EDT
utc_offset_DST = -4
postal_code_type = Zip Code
postal_code = 48734
area_code = 989
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 26-30200GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0626405GR|3
footnotes =
website =

Frankenmuth is a city in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,838 at the 2000 census. The city is located within Frankenmuth Township, but is politically independent. Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which bills itself as "the World's Largest Christmas Store", is located in Frankenmuth. The most popular nickname is "The Muth", but the city is also nicknamed "Little Bavaria" (see history below).

History

The area was settled and named by conservative Lutheran immigrants from Franconia (now part of Bavaria), in 1845. The German word "Franken" represents the Province of Franconia in the Kingdom of Bavaria, and the German word "Mut" means courage, thus the city name Frankenmuth means "courage of the Franconians".

The nearby villages of Frankenlust, Frankentrost, and Frankenhilf illustrate that the area remained a magnet for other Germans from the same region even after it lost its original purpose as a mission post for the spread of Christianity to the Chippewa tribe.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.8 square miles (7.2 km²), of which, 2.7 square miles (7.1 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (2.15%) is water. The Cass River winds through the town.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 4,838 people, 2,123 households, and 1,322 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,773.6 per square mile (684.2/km²). There were 2,240 housing units at an average density of 821.2/sq mi (316.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.80% White, 0.27% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.06% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

Citizens with German ancestry form nearly 53% of the city population.

24.8% households have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the city the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 28.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 80.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,153, and the median income for a family was $71,667. Males had a median income of $51,004 versus $29,959 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,479. About 2.4% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Tourism drives the local economy. Frankenmuth draws over three million tourists annually to its Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants. The most well known of these are Zehnder's and Bavarian Inn restaurants, and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. Frankenmuth also attracts tourists with festivals and other events throughout the year. The Frankenmuth News is the oldest business in existence since 1906. The other major employer is Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance. It was also once the site of a brewery that offered tours to visitors, which has since closed down.

As a tourism measure, the City uses German style signage for roads.

Architecture

The strong influence of Franconian-style architecture can be found in most areas of the city. Most buildings in the commercial district, as well as many homes, feature stylistic interpretations of the timber-framed buildings found in the Franconia region of Germany. This style is marked by the use of timbers in "square" and "X" patterns on the outside of buildings, as well as the use of "X" patterns on windows, doors, and other building features. The City currently requires Franconian-style facades for the majority of new commercial construction within the main tourist areas.

Entertainment

The World Expo of Beer

The World Expo of Beer is a community fundraiser that helps different organizations in need of funding. The beneficiary differs from year to year. [http://www.frankenmuthfestivals.com/"Frankenmuth Festivals"] , Official Site of the Frankenmuth Festivals. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.]

Bavarian Fest

The Bavarian Fest began in 1959 in collaboration with the Grand Opening Celebration of the Bavarian-Style addition to Fischer's Hotel on the main street of the city. In 1970, the event outgrew the parking lots of the Main Street restaurants and moved to what is now Heritage Park.

Visitors of all ages are invited to hear Bavarian music played by authentically dressed German bands, watch two parades, enjoy an expanded midway with rides and games, dance music, face painting, and a hands-on craft area.

Venues sell many varieties of German foods and desserts, along with imported and domestic beer.

Each year, over 100,000 people enjoy the annual Sunday Big Parade, usually featuring over 100 entries including marching bands, decorated floats, dance clubs, visiting dignitaries, entertainers, royalty, and that year's newly crowned Bavarian Princess and her Court.

The Bavarian Festival has been voted one of the "Top 5 Festivals in the State of Michigan" by AAA's Michigan Living Magazine.

ummer Music Fest

Oktoberfest

In 1990, Frankenmuth, also known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," celebrated its first Oktoberfest. The Frankenmuth Oktoberfest celebrates German culture, heritage and love. The goal of the festival is to retain as much of the Bavarian heritage of the region as possible. Frankenmuth is the first Oktoberfest outside of Munich to be sanctioned by the Parliament and the City of Munich.

ister City

* - Gunzenhausen, Germany

References

External links

* [http://www.frankenmuthnews.com/ Frankenmuth News]
* [http://www.frankenmuthcity.com/ City of Frankenmuth]
* [http://www.frankenmuth.org/ Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.frankenmuth-hotels.com/ Frankenmuth Hotels Tourist Information]
* [http://www.frankenmuth-michigan.us/ General Frankenmuth Information]
* [http://www.historicbridges.org/truss/dehmel/index.htm Learn about the historic "Black Bridge" in Frankenmuth]
* [http://www.historicbridges.org/truss/beyer/index.htm Learn about the historic "Gugel" Beyer Road Bridge near Frankenmuth]