Roosevelt Hall (Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Roosevelt Hall
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Barrett, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | Civil Works Administration |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001819 |
| Added to NRHP | August 23, 1985 |
Roosevelt Hall is a special building in Barrett, Minnesota. It has been a community center, a gym, and an auditorium. It was built in 1934 by a government program called the Civil Works Administration (CWA). This program helped communities build important places. Roosevelt Hall is famous because it's one of the few buildings the CWA built in Minnesota. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
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What is Roosevelt Hall?
Roosevelt Hall is a large building, about 42 feet wide and 110 feet long. It's made of wood and has a classic sloped roof. The outside is covered with special wooden siding. Inside, it used to have a wooden gym floor. There was also a stage and a balcony for people to watch events.
How it was Built
The building was constructed by the Civil Works Administration (CWA). This was a government program started in the 1930s. Its goal was to create jobs during a tough economic time. The CWA helped small towns like Barrett build useful and beautiful buildings. This meant communities could get great buildings without spending a lot of money.
A Historic Landmark
Roosevelt Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. It was recognized because it's one of the few buildings in Minnesota built by the CWA. It shows how government programs helped communities long ago.
A Building with Many Lives
Roosevelt Hall has changed its purpose many times over the years. It has always been a place for the community.
Early Uses
When it was first built, the local school used the gym. It was a place for students to play sports. The hall was also a center for social events. People gathered there for cultural activities and educational programs.
Changing Roles
In the early 1950s, the school built its own gym. After that, Roosevelt Hall's use started to change. In 1957, the original stage was removed. For 14 years, the building was home to a bowling alley!
Later, in 1973 and 1974, it became a youth center. From 1977 to 1979, it was even used as a factory. This factory made insulation, which helps keep buildings warm or cool.
Today's Purpose
Today, Roosevelt Hall is used by a group called the Prairie Wind Players. They are a community theater group. In the early 1980s, they built a new stage. This stage is called a proscenium stage, which is common in theaters.
In 2004, the lobby area was updated. New restrooms and ticket booths were added. Roosevelt Hall continues to be an important place for arts and community events in Barrett.
