Woodmen’s Hall
Woodmen’s Hall was located at 711 West Broadway at Lyndale Ave. No. in Minneapolis. It should not be confused with Woodman Hall, which was the City’s earliest theaters, owned by a fellow named Woodman.
THE WOODMEN
This Hall was built by the Modern Woodmen of America (Prospect Camp, Inc. No. 1035). Wikipedia tells us that
Modern Woodmen of America was founded by Joseph Cullen Root on January 5, 1883, in Lyons, Iowa. He had operated a number of businesses, including a mercantile establishment, a grain elevator and two flour mills; sold insurance and real estate; taught bookkeeping classes; managed a lecture bureau; and practiced law. Root was a member of several fraternal societies throughout the years. He wanted to create an organization that would protect families following the death of a breadwinner.
This was essentially a member-owned life insurance company, but back then it had its quirks. It would only insure white males between the ages of 18-45 from the 12 “healthiest” states, and residents of large cities (which Minneapolis was apparently not) were ineligible for membership. Others who were disqualified were “railway workers, underground miners, gunpowder factory employees, liqueur wholesalers and manufacturers, saloon keepers, ‘aeronauts,’ sailors on the lakes and seas, and professional baseball players.” So basically if you were healthy as a horse you were eligible to be a Woodman. The tax-exempt organization exists to this day, with 750,000 members.
THE BUILDING
The building was built as a lodge hall in 1925. The brick and tile building measured 50 ft. by 100 ft. by 32 ft. and had two stories. A dance hall permit was obtained from the beginning.
It was referred to in the papers as the MWA or Woodman Hall, and used by many fraternal organizations, lodges, and clubs for balls, meetings, parties (especially bunco parties), and dances.
MUSIC AT THE HALL
Here’s an ad from an obscure paper (Hennepin County something or other – I’ll find it). It’s from New Year’s Eve, 1935, but curiously doesn’t give the name of the place, just the address. Maybe the Woodmen were afraid of the Whoopie the Red Peppers would stir up.
October 1944 marked a big change in strategy, with a big ad for a dance at the hall. Like many ballrooms, the music was “old time,” and so were the people, restricted to 28 and older. Lou Peterson led the orchestra through December 1944.
[October 4, 1944 Trib]
In January 1945, the building was advertised for sale as an insurance company foreclosure. It was described as having two stores, three offices, a basement, and the lodge/dance hall. The advertised price was $20,000. (Minneapolis Star Journal, January 29, 1945)
Starting in about September, dances were advertised that only gave the address. Reuben Olson was listed as the manager.
[September 14, 1945]
This ad is confusing. Why is a venue north of Robbinsdale called “formerly 711 West Broadway?”
[June 14, 1947]
But what’s this? Woodman Hall is back in 1948! And it is giving dancing lessons. October 4 to November 20
[October 16, 1948]
Ads were published for young boys and school girls – don’t know what that was about.
AUDIOTEK
Next we see is a large ad for AudioTek Recording Studios.
December 8, 1968
WHAT GOES UP…
A demolition permit was issued on December 4, 1981.
The current building there was built in 1982.