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The Western Palatinate village of Mackenbach belongs to the union community of Weilerbach and as such is a part of the district of Kaiserslautern. Originating from a previous settlement around the year 1000, Mackenbach was first documented under its present name in 1510.
Mackenbach’s history is heavily influenced by the tradition of the Western Palatinate travelling musicians. Mackenbach and the surrounding villages are still to this day part of the “Westpfälzer Musikantenland,” or the musicians’ country. These musicians originally played at weddings and other village festivals.
The weak economic situation and high unemployment in the mid-1800s up until the First and Second World Wars led to thousands of musicians from this area travelling throughout the world to play in famous orchestras, military bands and circus orchestras to earn their livelihood and support their families. Many of them were away from home for several years, and in fact, many settled abroad.
The “Westpfälzer Musikanten-museum,” or the Musicians’ Museum, in Mackenbach houses an impressive display of memorabilia from this era, including musical instruments from all around the world, as well as many documents and photos. One of the highlights is a unique model of the Circus Busch in Berlin, which has made the Guinness Book of World Records.
Mackenbach is extremely proud of its connection to Frank Sinatra. In 1932, the young and unknown Sinatra was just beginning his career and was singing for a band called Bill Henri and His Headliners in Englewood, N.J. Bill Henri, whose real name was Heinrich Jacob, was a native of Mackenbach. In 1983, when the Mackenbach Music Club celebrated its 100th anniversary, Sinatra sent an autographed photograph with a personal dedication to the people of Mackenbach. This photo can also be viewed in the museum.
Mackenbach has a lot to offer apart from music. Several lovely old musicians’ homes, built from the traditional red sandstone are spread throughout the village. The close proximity to Ramstein makes Mackenbach a popular place for American and NATO military members to live. Several hiking paths and cycling trails can be explored. The village also boasts indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a challenging 18-hole golf course complete with clubhouse and restaurant.
