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“With all the anti-German sentiment flourishing during World War II, many of the historical and memorable German markings of the old Hall were removed from the decor. Another quote from The History states that, Taking a closer look at the Bonham’s decor history it might come to a surprise to know that this building actually has significance to World War II. Maybe, you’ll give it a second thought after diving deeper into the history that’s embedded within the walls. Now, if these architectural details don’t do the job of reeling you in about why the Bonham should be preserved, then no need to worry. That’s when the government stepped in to take over the building to use for an USO (United Service Organization) office. However, the Great Depression hit and the Turners were not able to keep up on their payments. In 1929, there were plans to add an additional 10-stoires to the building, including a swimming pool, basketball courts, office space, a club room, and a formal dining room. The 20,000 square foot facility would be covered in pressed Chicago brick, lined with Kerrville limestone, and granite”(Bonham Exchange, The History).
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The building would contain a bowling alley, a gymnasium, and a grand ballroom for formal events. “On April 18 of that year, architect James Wahrenberger and builder Adam Maurer, set out to erect Turner Hall for just under $35,000. Honing in on its origins, the land the building sits on was originally owned by a German athletic association called Turn Verin. The age has significance in itself to be made worthy of preservation, already! Yet, that’s just the beginning. If you happen to stumble on over to the Bonham Exchange website and click on the About tab, I think you’ll find yourself more surprised than you think to know the history of this building…įor starters, the building was established in 1891. What exactly screams preservation when you think about landmarks? It is the age of a building? Is it the historical significance? Or maybe there’s something unique about the particular group of people it attracts? With these questions in mind, we’re going to take a closer look at five categories that makes the Bonham Exchange a credible candidate for preservation. (Warning, The Bonham Exchange website may have music playing the background with some profanity.) The Bonham Exchange – Out In SA Credit PURPOSE OF PRESERVATION + HISTORY You might think, well Jacob that argument doesn’t seem to match up well…and I’m saying part of explaining “the history of the people” is also explaining the tabooed components of history, like that of bars and clubs.Īnd as far as clubs go in San Antonio, TX, I think that the Office of Historic Preservation would do well to preserve The Bonham Exchange night club. So, since entertainment halls seem to be such an integral component to the social human and causal lesson plan for education, then why can’t certain entertainment halls be deemed worthy of historic preservation? WHAT TO PRESERVE? This is the drunken history of the people, man! I mean, it’s so common that this is something that, even in the slightest way, is talked about in secondary school… Why? Well because for so long humans have enjoyed the concept of an entertainment hall for the opportunity to meet/hang out with people while enjoying a nice goblet/glass of wine, pint/bottle of beer, or shooter/shot of hard liquor. And what are they known for? Well, social gathering sites are primarily known for their alcohol, music, and most probably dancing. No, I’m kidding (well…), but in all seriousness, I would say that all of these entertainment sites are places of social gathering. Okay, your first impression might be, you done lost it now Jacob, but consider the idea that the concept of a club, joint, music hall, dance hall, bar, and or saloon all have one common interest: drunk people.
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I mean, really….like the title says, have we considered nightlife into historic preservation? Has there ever been much thought to preserve local joints that make a city jive at night?