Telegram-herald., 1891-09-13
RATHSKlLLlR.
Ancient Customs Of the Fifteenth
Century Revived In Grand
Rapids
Celebrated Old German Paintings
and Poems Found In the Rsth-
skellers nepsinted From
tho Originals.

Rathskeller. The single word is the
only sigh ar intimation one sees on the
building at No. 80 Canai-st. 10 indicate
the nature OF the business carried on at
that place, and one must be well posted
in ancient history 70 understand the
meaning, for it is fac simile OF the
sign that greeted people who lived on
tho earth 900 years ago IN Germany.
Upon the inside the same antique and
novel appearance prevails. The word
Ratnskellcr was used 10 indicate the
brew houses where the people went to
sip their beer and enjoy the tine works
of art which hung from the walls, and
where the grea, statesmen congregated
TO plan and discuss the important ques-
lions OF the day over = mug OF the
foaning beverage.
reproduction in every detail OF the ceic-
hrated Rathskeilers in Bremen, and at
Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Mr.. }.
Geo. Lehman, manager oil the new en-
terprise, has lived IN Grand Rapids .
great many years, carrying on the meat
business ia this block, which he built in
1872, and still owns. He has fitted the
place mp exactly like the Rathskellers
of ancient history. the furniture Is
made Of antique so.id oak, 10th Gen.
tury style. The walls are adorned with
eop.es Of the paintings found IN the
Bremen and Hanover Rathskellers.
There are only two places like this in
the United States, one IN New York
and one in Milwaukee. Every picture
is study illustrating the history of the
early days III Germany. There are
several more to bc added. Tie front
windows will he set IN fine colored paint
ings on glass of Beethoven. Mozart,
Wagner, Shakespeare, Schiller, Goethe.
and others. Every painting is from
some celebrated original. One large
painting represents RaphacPs Before
the RaIhskellcr." But prehaps the
most important of all the reproductions
especially to Germans who understand
its history is an historical window in
the rear of this cozy place. Another
important adjunct to the place Is an
imported old fashion wall clock. from
which q cuckoo warns tho flight of
time. The room is lighted with moon.
descent lights furnished by tho Edison
company, the fixtures he;ng from the
Peninsular company. These are taste
fully arranged and add to the general
effect. A description of all is impossi-
BILE, for each means volumes III history,
they mast be seen to be appreciated.
There are also many quotations in
verse printed in the BayarIan language.
The bar is made after the Bremen
Rathskeller style, where 5000 Amer.
cans visit annually and come home TO
tell glowing stories of what they see.
In the rear Of the bar are three great
hogsheads from which the beer il
drawn. On these are painted the orr
ginal savings found in the old world.
The National Brewing Colnpany's
special brews will be on draught here,
which are made by Mr.. A. Goetz, one
OF tho most expert and experienced
brewers in this country. They will
handle the best Of wines, liquors and
cigars and besides the usual lunch
morning and night will serve business
mans lunch at all houre.
Mr.. Frank Worfel. the we'll known ex-
deputy sheriff, and Mr.. Fred Lehman
will be found on deck to welcome their
friends.
The art work seen here was painted
by young German. Mr.. Allen, under
tho direction of Mr.. Chas. C. Nona-
man, both Of this city. and they have
done their work we'll. IL Will be rare
entertainment to those who visited this
novel place of business.