WOW Hall performances benefit local community
HU Photo
WOW Hall, or the Community tenter for the Performing Arts, is a historic Eugene land
mark built in 1932. It has always been used as a gathering spot for the local community.
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Since 1932 the Community
Center for the Performing Arts
on Eighth Avenue and Lincoln
Street has been a Eugene land
mark, according to Jon Pincus.
coordinator of the hall.
“It has always been a place
for the community to gather.”
Pincus said.
In 1932 it became the local
headquarters for the Eugene
“camp” of the Woodmen of the
World fraternal organization,
which was founded in Omaha.
Neb. in 1890 Members of the
local organization included pro
minent citizens from pioneer
families. They felt a new
building was needod.
According to the old Eugene
Morning Register, “...it was the
most expensive building con
structed (in 1932) at a value of
$8,000 and (considered)
“modern in every detail."
Prior to the construction of
WOW Hall, a Seventh-Day
Adventist Church was housed
on the site. Built in 1867, it was
on part of Eugene Skinner's
donated land claim. Skinner
had originally used the land as
an orchard and a farm.
During the '30s and '40s.
revelers joyously strolled in the
moonlight from a site known as
the "Wintergarden," a dance
hall at Eighth Avenue and
Charnelton Street, to WOW7
Hall. "They had Saturday night
dances,” Pincus said.
Today, as the Community
Center for the Performing Arts,
the hall is still a dance spot.
“To me this place is more like
an old church than a sock hop."
said Eugene resident John Gib
bons, a mechanic and first-time
visitor to WOW Hall.
"It's a community center
with a focus on performing arts
activities." Pincus said.
"There is always good music
to listen to." said John Parry,
another Eugene resident who is
a regular at WOW Hall.
"We have all kinds of perfor
ming acts," Pincus said. He ad
ded that "virtually every type of
music" is played there.
"Our dance performances
and our theatre program are also
a very important part of what
we do here." he pointed out.
"An important part of our
work here is also an educational
program in dance and theater
arts, Pincus added.
The hall is a training ground
for volunteers in the production
and operation of facilities in
volving the technical work of
shows. Many technicians and
production people have gone on
to professional careers from
their beginnings at the WOW
Hall, he said.
All of this points to one fact:
WOW Hall has become a
Eugene institution as well as a
landmark. "I think of it as re
taining a lot of the same
character of the time (the
’30s)," Pincus said.
The community still gathers
at WOW Hall, just like they did
then, he added.
"It's an intimate kind of place
that relates directly to the peo
ple living in the community,”
Pincus said.
An historical account of
WOW Hall also mentions its
’’art deco" facade and a
"simplified classical interior
which reflects the architectural
values of the time," Pincus
said.
During the 1940s, numerous
community activities were held
there, from Boy Scout meetings
Turn to Hall, Page 27B
THE WESLEY FOUNDATION
THE UNITED METHODIST
CAMPUS MINISTRY
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
I WELCOMES YOU!
We are here for the University community,
located at 1236 Kincaid, behind the UO
Bookstore.
• weekly discussions and Bible Study
• meals, fun. worship, theatre and retreats
• community-building, music and counseling
• a library/lounge for studying
Thursday, September 24
3:30-5:00
OPEN HOUSE at Wesley Center. 1236 Kincaid Refreshments
i Meet others, program information
, 5:30
CAMPUS INTERFA1TH MINISTRY PICNIC
(Down the street at 1414 Kincaid The meal is provided
Tuesday, September 29
5:30
"UNLAST SUPPER" Join us to start the term off with conversa
tion and getting acquainted A supper is provided
Women's Issues in Higher Education
This special 1987-1988 program will include discussion groups,
speakers, and more A support group will be formed for female
students who are not attending directly from high school (This
program is partially funded by a Division of Higher Education.
Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist
Church grant.)
For Information Call Leslie Hall. Campus Minister 686 4694