Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus)
Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus) | |
Location | 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, Indiana |
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Coordinates | 39°46′24″N 86°9′1″W / 39.77333°N 86.15028°W |
Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
Built | 1893 |
Architect | Vonnegut & Bohn; Multiple |
Architectural style | Renaissance Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 73000032[1] |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | February 21, 1973 |
Designated NHL | October 31, 2016[2] |
The Athenæum, originally named Das Deutsche Haus (
History
In the 19th century, many German immigrants made their home in
For a cost of $32,000, two lots were purchased at the corner of Michigan and New Jersey streets. A German neighborhood called
In 1897, the Musikverein (Music Society) was founded at Das Deutsche Haus; it included a 60-piece orchestra, a male choir, and a mixed choir. The Athenaeum Orchestra is now the oldest orchestra in Indianapolis.[5]
In 1907, Das Deutsche Haus agreed to house the Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union in its east wing. The
With the anti-German sentiments of World War I, the clubhouse renamed itself the Athenæum. Today, the Athenaeum is operated by the nonprofit Athenaeum Foundation.
Architecture
The front part of the building is the East Wing. It is built in the German
The West Wing is done in the German
Facilities
The Athenæum Foundation nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the historical Athenæum and serving the Indianapolis community. The foundation sponsors events and programs throughout the year. Free tours of the Athenæum are offered twice a month between March and December. Group tours can also be scheduled.
In the Athenaeum is the Rathskeller Restaurant, which is the oldest restaurant in the city.[5]
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Events
In October 2009, the Athenaeum held its first annual GermanFest. The event, held outside on New Jersey Street, featured the Männerchor, the Saenger Chor, Meisterwinds, dachshund races, dancing, children's activities, and a visit from Mayor Greg Ballard.[9]
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ Indianapolis Star. Gannett. November 2, 2016.
- ^ a b "History of the Athenæum". Athenæum Foundation. Archived from the original on May 14, 2008. Retrieved September 1, 2008.
- ^ "Das Deutsche Haus (The Athenaeum)". Indianapolis. National Park Service. Retrieved September 1, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e "The Athenaeum: A German Legacy". Athenaeum information sheet. Athenaeum.
- ^ "Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD)" (Searchable database). Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Retrieved August 1, 2016. Note: This includes David R. Hermanson (August 1970). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus)" (PDF). Retrieved August 1, 2016. and Accompanying photographs
- ^ Bulletin of the Normal College of the American Gymnastic Union (PDF). Indiana University. 1958. p. 5. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
- ^ "Architectural Elements". The Athenæum Foundation. Archived from the original on May 14, 2008. Retrieved September 15, 2008.
- ^ "The Original and Fabulous Germanfest!". Athenaeum Foundation. Archived from the original on October 31, 2010. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
External links
- Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) No. IN-63, "Das Deutsche Haus, 401 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN", 21 photos, 13 data pages
- Athenæum Foundation website
- The Rathskeller Restaurant