Posted May 25, 200817 yr I remember reading that the county was possibly going to sell Memorial Hal, but this sounds like it may be under threat from the very thing many of us are pushing for in OTR. Infill and urban reinvestment. Memorial Hall Celebrates 100 Years Reported by: Jacqueline Howard Email: [email protected] Last Update: 10:33 am http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=c0507a6b-7fdc-43b4-9dd5-95eea0035ae2 County May Sell Memorial Hall Slideshow One hundred years ago, Memorial Hall was built on Elm Street in Over-the-Rhine to honor military servicemen and women of Hamilton County. The inspiration of the neo-classical facade has dedicated the building to the memory of local heroes...
May 25, 200817 yr I don't think infill and reinvestment are a threat to Memorial Hall. It was the decades of decline of it's surroundings. If they can't find a decent use for it with the help of the Gateway Quarter there probably isn't much hope for it. Heck, Music Hall could be in trouble.
May 26, 200817 yr Music Hall had 'its' moment 30 years ago. There was serious talk of getting rid of then. It isn't going anywhere ever. I can think of all kinds of funky uses for Memorial Hall, but I have a hard time figuring out how should pay for them.
May 27, 200817 yr Music Hall had 'its' moment 30 years ago. There was serious talk of getting rid of then. It isn't going anywhere ever. I second that. It's humorous to think otherwise. Well, not humorous, but you know what I mean.
May 28, 200817 yr 26 incredible pictures on the link. A city treasure turns 100 You're invited to tour a building that its owner, Hamilton County, isn't quite sure what to do withBY SARA PEARCE | [email protected] http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20080525/ENT07/805250301/ Local pride and patriotism, and a reverence for their own heroic dead were stirred by the impressive dedication ceremonies of the new Memorial Building to the Soldiers and Sailors, Marines and Pioneers of Hamilton County yesterday afternoon. There was not an inch of vacant space in the handsome hall. - The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 14, 1908...
October 1, 200816 yr Memorial Hall Turns 100 Years Old http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Display=2807 Few may recognize Raymond Henry as he walks to and from work each day. But this unassuming man is preserving for us an important part of Cincinnati's history: Memorial Hall. As head of the Memorial Hall Society, it is Henry's job and his alone, because that's all the money allows to maintain this grand structure on Elm Street, across from Washington Park. Next month, Memorial Hall turns 100 years old. "It's a lot of work," Henry said. "But it's neat to walk to work every day and this is where you end up." Built in 1908, and designed by the renowned architect Samuel Hannaford, Memorial Hall is listed as a National Historic Landmark. The building was commissioned by the Grand Army of the Republic and commemorates the service and sacrifice of America's armed forces. Today, Memorial Hall showcases the American Classical Music Hall of Fame, and its Joni Herschede Auditorium, with seating for more than 500, and is the regular venue for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Memorial Hall also hosts lectures and receptions in the Green and Gold rooms on the first floor. This grand structure had fallen on some hard times through the 1980s, and was often misused as a concert hall for rock shows, among others. Memorial Hall got a face lift completed in 1993 that returned the grandeur beneath the grime. Nine months ago, Henry was tapped as the next caretaker of its legacy. There has been some confusion of late about the future of Memorial Hall. Henry said that while its owner, Hamilton County, has indeed put the building on the list of assets to be sold, nothing in that changes the building's immediate future use. In fact, he said, the Society has just recently signed a five-year extension to operate and maintain the building. Henry said a condition was that any new buyer must honor that commitment. Henry hopes the future of Memorial Hall will be something of a step back into its proud history. The hall was intended for patriotic oratory and meetings of its community of veterans and citizens. "There should be more events here for war veterans," he said. While most of Memorial Hall's collection of military memorabilia has been transferred to the Cincinnati Historical Society, it does retain a collection of portraits and other important artifacts. One curious item is the wreath that adorned President Abraham Lincoln's casket during its tour through Ohio. How it ended up here in Cincinnati is uncertain. Memorial Hall 100th Anniversary Celebration October 12, 2008 Memorial Hall Society Director Raymond Henry invites the public to help celebrate the 100th birthday of Memorial Hall on Oct. 12. The day begins at 11 a.m. with an opening trumpet fanfare, followed by music and informational presentations each hour at the Washington Park Gazebo and Memorial Hall stage. There will also be Civil War re-enactors in Washington Park. The Queen City Concert Band will be in the hall's auditorium beginning at 4 p.m. You can end your day with a USO Swing Dance, with music by Green Hills American Legion Band, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. With the exception of the USO-style dance, all activities are free and open to the public. The evening dance is $10, with veterans getting in free. Souvenir programs are available for $5.
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