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| 150 Jefferson Ave • Hartford, WI 53027 |
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| History |
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| The Chandelier Ballroom, located at 150 Jefferson Avenue in the city
of Hartford, has a long history dating back to the mid-1920’s with
the Eagles Club/Schwartz Park Pavilion (prior structures existed at
this location as early as the turn of the century). In 1919, the Schwartz
Brewery Company bought the Eagles Park and began leasing it and its
recreational facilities to the Kissel Mutual Association in 1920. In 1928,
Joseph Schwartz, Jr. began construction of the octagon ballroom. It was
constructed to be one of the architecturally prominent recreational facilities in Wisconsin.
The Ballroom has been a local landmark for over 50 years. The Schwartz Ballroom,
as it was known then, opened for business on October 20, 1928. Norbert S. Remmel,
the son of Joseph P. Remmel and Mary (Schwartz) Remmel, was the first manager of
the Ballroom. It took several years after the original construction began to
complete the kitchen area and associated buildings.
The Schwartz Ballroom was advertised as “Wisconsin’s Most Beautiful Ballroom and
Suburban Restaurant and Tavern. During the 1930’s, the Big Band era, some of the
most popular bands played the Ballroom, including Guy Lombardo, Wayne King, Lawrence Welk,
Woody Herman, and the Dorsey Brothers. Over the years, throughout the great Depression,
World War II, and other significant events in American history, the Ballroom was used
for a variety of purposes. The Chandelier Ballroom was used as an entertainment
venue for Vaudeville groups, Big Bands (as previously mentioned), Presidential
Birthday Balls, to a prisoner of war camp, holding in excess of 600 German draftees.
In 1949, Marty Zivko, a local musician, purchased the Ballroom and brought in local
and national music groups to perform on a monthly basis…at the time the Ballroom
remained a popular site for local area wedding receptions. In 1981, Zivko sold the
Ballroom to Gary and Marion Wendorff, who continued to bring in music attractions
and use it as a reception facility. Shortly thereafter, Glenn and Vivian Hayden,
and their son John, took over ownership and used the Ballroom for large parties,
wedding receptions, dances, and concerts. The Hayden’s made some restoration efforts
during their tenure.
In 1996, the Chandelier Ballroom, which at this time had undergone numerous name changes,
such as Zivko’s Rock ‘n Roll Palace, Legendz Ballroom and the Rotary Ballroom, was
purchased by the Hartford Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation initiated a $1
million dollar restoration effort that has nearly brought the Ballroom back to its
original grandeur. A historic landmark that brings with it over fifty years of history,
the Chandelier Ballroom now exhibits the significant contributions made by the Hartford
community and the efforts of a dedicated civic organization. The Chandelier Ballroom, a
historic structure that is listed on the National Register, can once again be enjoyed by
today’s generation and for many future generations.
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| Chandelier Ballroom Management |
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| The Ballroom was officially renamed “The Chandelier Ballroom” by the Hartford Rotary Foundation
after the purchase of the facility in 1996.
An estimated cost of $1 million dollars was put into
restoring the interior structure, as well as some efforts directed toward the renovation of the
exterior. Through revenue generated by fundraising, events, and building rent, further restoration
efforts will be made when adequate funding is secured. An organization, which was initially a branch
of the Rotary Club, was created to manage the business affairs and operations of the building, known
as the Hartford Chandelier Ballroom, Inc., which has since received a 501 (c) 3, a not-for-profit status.
The Chandelier Ballroom is being used for wedding receptions, business functions, parties, and other
social events. In November of 1999, the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., a non-stock
corporation, took over the ownership of the Ballroom and controls the leasing of the building to the
Hartford Chandelier Ballroom, Inc. Though there have been many changes taking place at the Ballroom
from the past to the future, the building stands as a reminder of some of the greatest moments captured
throughout the millennium.
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