The magazine Die Frankenwarte was published in Würzburg as a weekly periodical from 1913 to 1920. The first issue was published on 15 November 1913, and publication ceased with issue 7 of the eighth volume (February 1920). From 1913 to 1919, the editorial office was headed by Anna Ch. Hunger from Würzburg. At the beginning of the 20th century, women in journalism were still the exception. In 1920, editorial responsibility was taken over by the writer Otmar Zänglein. The character of the journal is aptly reflected in its first two subtitles: Illustrierte Wochen-Chronik für aktuelle Tagesfragen mit spezieller Berücksichtigung des Frankenlandes (Illustrated Weekly Chronicle for Current Affairs with Special Reference to Franconia) and Wochenschrift für Leben und Kunst in Franken (Weekly Journal for Life and Art in Franconia). The subtitle introduced in 1920 indicates a broadening of the journal’s scope in both content and geographical focus: Wochenschrift für fränkisches und pfälzisches Volkstum (Weekly Journal for Franconian and Palatinate Folklore).

Programmatically, the magazine conceived of itself as a forum for the cultivation and representation of Franconian and, later, Palatinate folklore. It addressed regional current affairs as well as topics from history, folklore, art, literature and cultural life worldwide. The contributions ranged from journalistic news coverage to cultural-historical accounts and literary entertainment. The contemporary illustrations, in particular, are of great historical value and provide insights into the city of Würzburg before its extensive destruction during the Second World War on 16 March 1945.

During the First World War, extensive coverage was given to the documentation of soldiers from the Würzburg and Franconian regions who had fallen in action. Numerous issues featured illustrations and short biographical texts, placed either at the beginning or at the end of the issues. Today, these obituaries constitute a valuable source for regional remembrance culture and biographical research. The issues were supplemented by advertisements from regional businesses, which also offer insights into economic and everyday history. Alongside subscriptions, these advertisements contributed to the financing of the magazine.

The magazine was initially published by Verlag der Frankenwarte, and from 1920 onwards by Otmar Zänglein in Würzburg. Financial reasons may have contributed to the magazine’s unexpected and abrupt closure.

The weekly magazine described here should not be confused with the magazine Die Frankenwarte – Blätter für Heimatkunde, which was published as a supplement to the Würzburger General-Anzeiger.