The
building was constructed in 1927-29 of Carthage Limestone in a Gothic
style on approximately 1˝ acres of land, which was part of the original
Creek allotment to Nathanial N. Perryman. The German-American Society of
Tulsa purchased the church in 1991, primarily for our own use as a
cultural and social center. To defray the cost of maintaining the
building, we also make it available for public rental.
The German-American Society Center is located adjacent to the Gillette
Historical District, one block west of Lewis Avenue on the corner of 15th
Street and Terrace Drive and easily accessible from any part of Tulsa. The
Center's beautiful design, prestigious setting and comfort make it
desirable for any kind of function from business meetings to formal
evening occasions. The Great Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests for a
sit-down dinner or 300 for a buffet reception. It features a polished wood
floor with room for tables and chairs as well as an area for dancing. The
stage can easily accommodate a band or a DJ. We also have an antique
theater organ and a baby grand piano available for use by prior
arrangement. The rental fee covers use of tables, chairs, portable bar and
the services of a Security Officer during the rental period. The décor of
the Great Hall includes original antique chandeliers, stained glass
windows and abundant dark wood. Handicap facilities are available.
For a truly memorable event, there is no finer place in Tulsa than the
Great Hall of the German- American Society Center for special events. For
more information or to make an appointment to view the facilities, please
call 744-6997 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please look at some of
the pictures we took to document the big event as we acquired the
building. Images 1
& 2 depict several
of the people who were instrumental in the planning for, and acquisition
of, the facility. Images 3 & 4 show the interior of the Great Hall as
it appeared at the time of acquisition. Images
5, 6 & 7 show the
building exterior as it appeared at the time of acquisition in the Fall of
1991. The remaining images,
8, 9, 10 & 11
chronicle the events during the formal transfer of the facilities and
property. Then Building Corporation President Ed Lenfesty, signs the
necessary documents while Building Corporation Board and Society members
look on.
Although the building had been soundly constructed and well-maintained,
many changes and repairs were needed to enhance its functionality and
usability. Some of these activities include: leveling the floor of the
Great Hall, replacing the heating and air conditioning system, adding
storm windows and doors, installing a sound and a security system,
repairing and adding sidewalks, a sprinkler system and landscaping--all of
which have been completed. Just off the foyer, we created a library.
Across the large and formal foyer, a fully functional "Bierstube"
(Bar) is available to serve a variety of liquid refreshments at our
events. All around the foyer, halfway up the walls, we have placed the
flags of all the German Bundesländer (states). Fine pieces of antique
furniture further enhance its ambiance. The Great Hall features a polished
wood-floor, antique chandeliers and lots of dark wood. We've also created
a catering kitchen just off the dance floor. A small room adjacent to the
kitchen and accessible from the Great Hall serves as a dressing room or
just a place to rest one's weary feet.
In 1999, we completed a new lighting system and added an audio/visual
console in our downstairs meeting room. We also installed new carpeting in
the classrooms and around the periphery of the main meeting room. The
central area of the meeting room is delineated with natural wood columns
and parquet-like floor; a committee is studying future uses for this area.
We utilize the smaller rooms as classroom and storage space. Plans are in
progress for adding a coffee bar in an alcove off the meeting room to
enhance the room's functionality for small, informal social events or
meetings. Except for a handicapped restroom upstairs, our main restrooms
and a cloakroom are located in the downstairs hall.
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