The Forst Inn

'Twas the Night Before Opening...

9/22/2017

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Ten months ago Michael finally decided to take a look at this theater space in Tisch Mills I’d been telling him about.  While he really just intended to spend a year in the area and then move on, he will tell you how the amount of theater and arts in the area caught him off guard – and the space had him curious. 

He walked in and immediately wondered how this space could possibly be closed.  Ideas turned into a plan, and I felt like the successful Realtor connecting the right person with the right property.  But as we discussed the Forst Inn and all of it’s potential, it became clear that this was too huge an undertaking for just one person, and slowly it became clear that we needed to do this together.

The plan became a reality and we dove in, creating a non-profit community organization to manage the theater, figuring out how to get the building up and going again, and tending to the many details of our Gala opening of the theater and adjoining pub meanwhile keeping our day jobs up and running.
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Amidst all this hub-bub of final details, I received an email from musician Peter Mulvey regarding his Spring concert at the Forst Inn (oops!  Did I just let that slip?).  In it he said, “So glad you're running a room. Rooms where art happens are the pinnacle of civilization.”

A room where art happens...  Yes!  That’s what we’re creating – and we both are in our element doing so.  His words were a poetic reminder that all these small details will lead up to that reward – providing people with another space to gather and enjoy the experience of art happening.

After 10 months of planning, on Saturday night we finally get to do just that.  With Unwound in the pub. The art of S.v. Gonia in the art gallery, and Janet Planet taking the stage, old and new friends alike will enjoy these experiences together.  I’m looking forward to the magic and thankful to the Universe (and Michael!) for this grand experience.  See you soon! - Catherine
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The Cardinals, Woodpeckers                 and Palm Trees of Tisch Mills

9/6/2017

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I just couldn’t imagine what theatrical production the former owner, Ron Kaminski, had in mind when he nailed cardinals, woodpeckers and palm trees to deck of the Forst Inn.  It was a puzzle I had to solve.  

Shortly after the closing we were standing on the deck looking out at the often, but not always quiet 4-way stop in the center of Tisch Mills. Suddenly I noticed another one screwed on to a telephone pole across the street.  Then we spotted another - then another – and then even two fox at the post office across the street.  Clearly this wasn’t Forst Inn decor, but a Tisch Mills phenomenon.  Yet the mystery remained.

We are directly on the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail. The first story we heard was that these were markers for the trail.  That made sense as the sign for the Ice Age Trail also is adorned with birds. There is a nice whimsy in the notion of palm trees marking an Ice Age Trail.

But slowly pieces of the real story emerged.  Seems Tisch Mills has been blessed with a jovial retired farmer who enjoys woodworking named Robert “Bobby” Yanda.  Bobby would cut the pieces, and then his late wife, Lucille, would paint them.  Bobby gifted them to neighbors and friends and spruced up downtown Tisch Mills with his creations.  The stories flow pretty effortlessly around town that Bobby was a real ‘can do’ guy who was always ready to help out his neighbors with projects and repairs.

You can’t help but smile when you see all of these cardinals, palm trees and woodpeckers around town.  I wonder how many people have driven through this intersection and never noticed them?  I think my favorite is the woodpecker on the telephone pole by our parking lot.  We're not sure why he chose palm trees, but a back-room bar at the Forst Inn once was known as the palm lounge.  Perhaps he created a few good memories there through the years?

Sadly, we just have learned that Bobby, 88 years old, has been put into assisted living this past week. We at the Forst Inn would like to thank him for adding his charming touch to downtown Tisch Mills.  I am looking forward to seeing those red cardinals against a backdrop of freshly fallen snow this winter.  They'll surely brighten my day. - Catherine

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E2910 County Road BB, Tisch Mills WI 54216
Mail To: PO Box 216, Tisch Mills 54240
Box Office: 920-310-7228
​[email protected]

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