Save Orchestra Hall Records

Posted February 4th, 2020 by srafferty

Accession Number:

UR002849

Use restriction:

Collection is open for research with some exceptions. Boxes 2, 10, 11, 13 contain folders with restricted material. Archivist must remove restricted material from these marked folders before providing access.

Extent:

9.5 linear feet (17 MB, 1 OS)

Built in 1919, Orchestra Hall was the home for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) until the financial pressures of the Depression forced the DSO to move to the Masonic Temple Theater. Renamed the Paradise Theater, the Hall remained a performance venue in Detroit until 1951 when the building was virtually abandoned. In 1970, Orchestra Hall was scheduled to be demolished when a group of local citizens, led by DSO bassoonist Paul Ganson, intervened. These concerned citizens formed Save Orchestra Hall, Inc. to raise funds and awareness for the preservation of Orchestra Hall. Following this successful campaign, Save Orchestra Hall, Inc. then turned to restoring the Hall to its past glory. As a result of these endeavors, the DSO returned to Orchestra Hall, making the Hall their permanent home in 1989. Soon thereafter, Save Orchestra Hall, Inc. and the DSO entered into a joint venture called Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall, Inc. to consolidate their efforts regarding the continuing operation and renovation of Orchestra Hall and its environs.

Materials include legal and corporate documents, meeting minutes, reports, property and tax records, contracts, plans, proposals, studies, blueprints, journals, memoranda, notes, promotional materials, news clippings, and correspondence relating to Save Orchestra Hall, Inc. and related organizations as well as the preservation, restoration, and operation of Orchestra Hall.

Date:

1919-2003

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