On a history note: During a recent friends-and-families event at Foundry 45, the family brought the original architectural designs for the Amerahn Dance Hall. The era was 1974 and the drinking age lowered to 18 when the dance hall was built.
After 41 years in the tavern business the Kleinke family sold the Amerahn in Kewaskum.
When the story was first published on WashingtonCountyInsider.com the community chimed in 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 it was Steve and Mary’s Minor Bar and my friends sat me on a chair and within 10 minutes I had 15 beers sitting in front of me,” said Amerahn owner Marie Kleinke. “I think beers were 7 bottles for $1 at that time.”
MaryAnn Gierach Omg I remember those days too you held one in each hand and had more lined up on the bar waiting for you to drink! Oh the good old days at Steve n Mary’s
Click HEREto take a sneak peek inside the new Foundry 45
Linda Rich Lyndon, my husband (WBHS Class of 1960) was a regular at Steve and Mary’s until he joined the Navy in 1963. We haven’t lived in the area since then, but he has many wonderful memories of the good times there. We exchanged Christmas cards with the Rahn’s until a few years before they passed.
Richard Bechler Was a regular Wednesday night gathering spot when you could get a bucket of PBR’S (10) for $10
Loxley Schlosser I was at Steve & Mary’s – we Tosa kids drove out here!
Yep, I was 17 and somebody squealed on me Steve kicked me out. still kept going back. Those were the days! Lots of fun…
Lonna Karnitz Have lots of memories lots of fun a bottle of beer I think was 25 cents
John Backhaus brings back a lot of memories. I started going there 40 years ago. had my first frozen pizza there, a Tombstone of course. they also had a great cheeseburger & fries combo.
Susie Graff When we Booked our wedding there, the shell of the building was up and the electrical was hanging there. Wedding was Oct of 74. Great place back.in the good old days..Many good times line dancing, polka dancing, golf banquets and on and on. Good luck and best wishes in your retirement
Cathy Koopman Wiedmeyer Best wishes in the new chapter in your lives and happy retirement Marie! I loved seeing Rocket 88 and Class of `62 back in the day. The floor was always packed.
Lynn Thull Congratulations Marie, Brian and Adam!!! Some great times had at The Amerahn dating back to the night I was born, listening to the BTO, attending many weddings and anniversaries, my 21st birthday dance there, bartending banquets and rock dances, playing that stage many times with the GTD…you will all be missed, but not forgotten!! The wonderful memories and pictures remain!! (Now to find that pic of Brian and I cutting a rug on the dance floor when we were younger, maybe 40 years ago)…
Mary Jo Weiss Carlton Larry and I had our wedding reception there on January 4, 1975. We later took ballroom dance and Polish hop lessons there. Best of luck in your retirement!
Earl and Marie Kleinke bought the establishment in 1980. “Earl always wanted to own a bar,” said Marie. “We had a lot of rock bands perform here including Rockin’ 88 and Herman’s Hermits.”
“I remember the floors and windows shaking when I was a kid,” said Brian.
The Amerahn has been sale for the past year. “My knees are bad and I’m old enough to retire,” said Marie.
Prior to the Kleinke’s owning the establishment the business was a hot spot known as Steve and Mary’s Minor Bar. Owners were Steve and Mary Rahn.
They later built the Amerahn Bar and Hall with their daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and Allen Amerling.
The hall was a popular and favorite gathering place for many.
The Amerahn will be hosting a final LAST BASH with Riding Shotgun on Saturday MARCH 20. Riding Shotgun will also be playing at the February 20 event. Both are open to the public.
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still kept going back. Those were the days! Lots of fun…
