May 12, 2022 – Kewaskum, WI – There will be a ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. for the new Foundry 45 in Kewaskum, WI. The facility once housed the former Amerahn Dance Hall and before that Steve and Mary’s Minor Bar.
On a historical note: At a recent friends and family event at Foundry 45, the family brought the original architectural designs for the Amerahn Dance Hall. The time was 1974 and the drinking age was lowered to 18 when the dance hall was built.
After 41 years in the tavern, the Kleinke family sold the Amerahn in Kewaskum.
When the story was first published on WashingtonCountyInsider.com, the community reminisced about their memories of the Amerahn and the old Steve and Mary’s Minor Bar. Below is a submitted photo taken by Kirk Dyken.
“The first time I walked in here was at Steve and Mary’s Minor Bar and my friends sat me down in a chair and within 10 minutes I had 15 beers in front of me,” the owner said. Amerahn, Marie Kleinke. “I think beers were 7 bottles for $1 back then.”
Click on HERE to take a look inside the new Foundry 45
always kept coming back. It was the time! Lots of fun…
Earl and Marie Kleinke bought the establishment in 1980. “Earl always wanted to own a bar,” Marie said. “Many rock bands have performed here including Rockin ’88 and Herman’s Hermits.”
“I remember floors and windows shaking when I was a kid,” Brian said.
The Amerahn has been on sale for a year. “My knees hurt and I’m of retirement age,” Marie said.
Before the Kleinkes owned the establishment, the business was a hot spot known as Steve and Mary’s Minor Bar. The owners were Steve and Mary Rahn.
They then built the Amerahn Bar and Hall with their daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Allen Amerling.
Mary Rahn died in September 2013.
Steve Rahn died on August 22, 2014.
The Hall was a popular and favorite gathering place for many.
The Amerahn will host a final LAST BASH with Riding Shotgun on Saturday, MARCH 20. Riding Shotgun will also be playing the February 20 event. Both are open to the public.
FB cover photo courtesy of Kirk Dyken
Comments are closed.