CONCORDIA (ORGANIZATION: LA CROSSE, WIS.). MINUTE BOOK, 1883-1914. 1 cubic feet (1 large flat archives box)

Abstract

A German-American social organization incorporated in 1876 to practice and cultivate vocal and instrumental music, gymnastic exercises, and mutual benevolence and support. Later renamed the Concordia Aid Society.

The minute book includes restated articles of incorporation of 1876 and a record of meetings 1883-1914. The records are written in the German language.

Acc. No. 1995-2
Donor unknown, 1995
Processed by Anita Taylor Doering, 1995

History

The Concordia, a German-American social organization, was established in 1870 with Carl Ahrens as president. The group was incorporated in 1876 and was colloquially known as the Concordia Singing Society and later became the Concordia Aid Society. Although singing was one of the purposes of the group, the goals of the group were to practice and cultivate vocal and instrumental music, gymnastic exercises of the mind and body, and provide mutual benevolence and support in sickness and distress. The Frohsinn Society, the branch of the singing interests of the Concordia members, was instrumental in the completion of a community center and dance hall for the group known as Concordia Hall.

Before the present Concordia Hall was constructed in 1891 at 1129 La Crosse Street, the members met in a building on North Third Street. The building came to be known as the Concordia Ballroom, and by 1984 the dance hall was no longer profitable and the building was in need of serious repairs. By 1994, the members voted to sell the property to pay off back taxes and other debts.

In the late 1990s the hall underwent extensive renovations thanks to public concern for the welfare of the building. This was a result of a cooperative effort between the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse, the Concordia Aid Society, and a grassroots organization called Save the Concordia, led by Concordia member Bernie Duerkop. In May 1995, the structure was designated as a city historic site, linking the old “Goosetown” neighborhood to the German-American ethnic heritage. Duerkop and his wife Lorraine purchased the building from the original Concordia Aid Society in 1995, and new Concordia members bought out the old members’ shares in the Society. Events such as country and old-time dances and wedding receptions keep the doors open.

Scope and Content

A minute book of the Concordia (La Crosse, Wis.), consists of restated articles of incorporation of 1876, and meeting minutes, 1883-1914. Except for the articles of incorporation, the records are written in the German language.