Schnitzelbank Glockenspiel unveiled
Larry Hanselman brought the area its first Glockenspiel back in the 1980s when it was added to the family’s restaurant, The Schnitzelbank.
He and Larry Loechte, the owner of Jasper Lumber, took trips to Germany and Frankenmuth, Mich., to see Glockenspiels and begin plans for the addition to the restaurant. With pictures in hand, they designed and built the first Glockenspiel, which was unveiled in 1988.
On Thursday, Alan and his sister, Gail Hettinger, co-owners of the Schnitzelbank, unveiled the restaurant’s new Glockenspiel in a celebration that included a ribbon-cutting and the performance of the Schnitzelbank song (of course).
“He would love it,” Alan said about his father and the new Glockenspiel. “He was the one who thought up the whole thing.”
The original Glockenspiel had only one movement, but this one features 10 movements and can be programmed with different songs and actions, showcasing 16 pitched bells and several movable figures.
Visitors to the restaurant will be able to see and hear performances on the hour from about 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
According to Alan, the new feature not only better showcases the area’s German heritage but also enhances the appeal of the restaurant and city for tourists. “I definitely think this will be a stopping point for busses,” he said, adding that even with the previous Glockenspiel, customers would get up from eating in the restaurant to go view it when it would start up on the hour.
Mayor Dean Vonderheide said the Schnitzelbank and the Hanselman family were integral to the community. “Thank you for all you’ve done, the investments you’ve made in this community,” he said. “It makes a difference. People are going to come here from miles and miles to see this.”
Larry Hanselman passed in 2022, but his wife, Betty, was able to cut the ribbon for today’s unveiling. She was excited to announce the new addition to the restaurant.
