Ever wonder what it was like to attend a rollicking party in the late 1800s? Let me tell you about Pohlmann’s Hall. This building stands as a reminder of a vibrant past.
Pohlmann’s Hall is in Jersey City. It earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. That happened in September 1985.
Diedrich Pohlmann built Pohlmann’s Hall in 1874. It was initially an athletic club. Imagine the clatter of bowling balls and the lively chatter filling the air.
In 1880, Diedrich Pohlmann described his hotel as a perfect pleasure resort. It boasted a new dancing platform. There was also a concert hall, ballroom, billiard room, and bowling alleys. He called it the most delightful place for picnics, balls, concerts, and social gatherings. It cost $50,000 to build. Over a million bricks formed its 22-inch thick walls. These walls were set on bedrock.
Pohlmann’s Hall was quite the destination. It was next to a steam-powered elevator on Ogden Avenue. This elevator could whisk people and carriages down to Hoboken. Some folks preferred the “100 steps” for a bit of exercise. The elevator upgraded to electric power in 1892.
After Diedrich Pohlmann died around 1887, his widow Minetta took over. Legend says he asked her on his deathbed to keep the business alive. In March 1889, authorities raided Pohlmann’s Hall for selling beer on a Sunday. They arrested Minetta, six waiters, and the orchestra. Patrons were allowed to leave. Minetta defiantly stated that no grand jury would indict anyone for selling Sunday beer.
Minetta was rumored to have been a chief cook in the royal household of the King of Hanover. Her music resort became a favorite spot for wealthy Germans. They appreciated good music and refined surroundings. There was nothing cheap or common about the premises. Even the walls of the barroom were painted in oils.
Dozens of organizations held merrymaking events at Pohlmann’s Hall in the 1890s. One of the last picnics of the season was held in late September. These picnics were for Pohlmann’s employees. In 1898, a week-long trade show drew 32,000 visitors. It featured booths with local businesses.
In 1899, Mina Pohlmann leased Pohlmann’s Pavilion to Harry Brown and Phil Heck. The pair paid $10,000 for a ten-year lease.
Pohlmann’s Hall closed in 1915. In 1917, L.O. Koven & Brother bought it. They moved their offices from New York City after renovations. The main change was a third floor addition. It replaced the two-story gymnasium hall space. The firm manufactured iron stoves, boilers, and furnaces. Engineers tested motion detection devices in the basement. The building once had the words “POHLMANN’S HALL” painted on the top story of the east wall.
In the mid-1980s, Pohlmann’s Hall was converted into condominium residences.
Today, Pohlmann’s Hall stands as a testament to Jersey City’s rich history. It is a reminder of the German immigrants. They shaped this area. Pohlmann’s Hall witnessed countless celebrations and social gatherings. It adapted to changing times. It has remained a significant landmark.