Help Save Memorial Hall, Dedicated in 1915 to the Veterans of the Civil War

by Randy Ark

For over two hundred years, there have been meetings where the fate of Springfield and its properties have been decided and discussed. Last night’s “open forum” at the Heritage Center was no different. As they did then, so we do now.

Over a span of two hundred years, beginning with James Demint, John Dougherty, and Griffith Foos, concerned citizens of Springfield have been meeting to decide things like what to build, where to build, whether to expand, and what to tear down. The meeting last night at the Heritage Center was a reminder to me of all such meetings in the past. Springfield has had its share of historic buildings meet the wrecking ball of progress, but other edifices have been saved, like the Market Building where this meeting took place.

On the chopping block presently is the old Memorial Hall. Built in 1915 and dedicated to the veterans of the Civil War, this old building served many purposes over the years. I have personally spoken with a WWII veteran who used to box there in the 1930’s and I have personally attended symphony concerts there as a young elementary student, anxiously awaiting the William Tell Overture as the finale’ song to end the concert. Many folks at the open forum last evening share the sentiments that I have and much more.

The Memorial Hall has sadly fallen into a state of disrepair. Kevin Rose, who heads up the Springfield Preservation Alliance, facilitated and guided this open forum to hear the concerns and desires of interested citizens. He will submit these concerns and suggestions to the Landmarks Commission who, in turn, could submit a certificate of appropriateness to Healthy City Investments to demolish most of the structure.

Space does not permit me to relate all the concerns, questions, and suggestions that were raised, save it to say that many voiced a regret that “somebody should have done something” to prevent the gross deterioration of this building. One person had a concern about the “artifacts” that remain within the structure, and that if demolition was to occur, what would happen to those items? Another Kevin, whom we dubbed Kevin the Contractor, a representative from Healthy City Investments who purchased Memorial Hall last month, said that the only fair way that he could see was to have an auction. I thought to myself about the prospect of auctioning off memories. Both Kevins are very sensitive to what this Veteran’s Memorial means to many folks and are working to discover the will of the people and are willing to listen to and record suggestions and opinions.

Where the money will come from for renovation and upkeep was a matter of discussion and many thoughts were voiced as to what this building might be used for. Possible ideas were a convention center, a dance hall and banquet facility, or even a seasonal ice skating rink, but everyone agreed that it should remain dedicated to all veterans; a memorial to all those who served in the armed forces. As President Lincoln so eloquently phrased it, “It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.” 

It is not too late to voice an opinion or a suggestion about the future of Memorial Hall. You can send your comments to [email protected] or P.O. Box 2677, Springfield, Ohio 45501.