Junior Pioneer Hall
192 West 9th Street
St. Paul
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.
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.”
Little Richard appeared there in 1956.
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.
Ray Charles appeared there on January 16, 1958.
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!