The Junior Pioneer Hall was built in 1909 and was (and is) located at 192 West 9th Street (at Exchange Street) in St. Paul.  It was owned and no doubt built by the Junior Pioneer Association.

1925 photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

DANCES IN THE ’50s

There were spaces upstairs and downstairs for rent;  1962 bride Cathy Long says, “If I am remembering correctly, the upstairs would be perfect for a dance. At that time it was a huuuuuge room with a stage and wood floor.”

Judy Perkins (Percy Hughes’s wife) and her Combo performed at a golf tournament dance there on July 28, 1951.

Little Richard appeared there in 1956.  On June 22, the St.  Paul Recorder reported that:

Dance and jazz fans of the Twin Cities will be in for a special treat when the “original Tutti Frutti Man,” “Little Richard” and his orchestra play for a dance at the Junior Pioneer Hall, 192 W. 9th St., St Paul, on Tuesday, June 26, 8:30 to 12:30.

The “Rock and Roll Rage” with a dynamic personality received national recognition a few months ago with his recording of “Tutti Frutti,” and since then he has become one of the greatest stars on the musical horizon.

Al Smith and the Moroccans provided the music for a dance at the hall given on March 30, 1957.  The review by Jemal Jackson in the St. Paul Recorder on April 5, 1957, wasn’t so hot – apparently the group didn’t start together – but they were fine on record.

The Ray Charles Orchestra made an appearance on January 16, 1958, announced the St. Paul Recorder.

Larry Fisher and his Band, February 8, 1958.  This appears to be the last dance advertised in the local papers.

From 1963 to 1973, the building served as the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul General Extension Center.

In 2013 it was occupied by Reigstad & Associates, who turned the gym into offices. They didn’t allow tours.

Junior Pioneer Hall, 2013. From the side (right) you can see what might have been the gymnasium where Little Richard played!