📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Memorial Hall

Salina Post proudly presents Flashback Friday in partnership with the Smoky Hill Museum. Enjoy a weekly tidbit of local history from the staff at Salina Post and the Smoky Hill Museum as we present "Salina-Flashback Fridays."

By SALINA POST

A sepia toned image of Memorial Hall in Salina. The photograph was taken from the southeast corner of the building. Groups of men in dark suits gather on the front steps. There is a lot of writing on the back of the photograph. Some of the writing identifies the photograph as the Salina Chamber of Commerce at Memorial Hall. c1923. <b>Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</b> — A sepia toned image of Memorial Hall in Salina. The photograph was taken from the southeast corner of the building. Groups of men in dark suits gather on the front steps. There is a lot of writing on the back of the photograph. Some of the writing identifies the photograph as the Salina Chamber of Commerce at Memorial Hall. c1923. **Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum**

Memorial Hall joined Salina's skyline a little later than some other downtown buildings.

Designed by Charles Shaver and constructed by Peterson Construction Co. in 1923, the expansive event hall offered an auditorium with more than 3,000 seats on three levels.

The community initiated its construction in 1920 when voters passed a $300,000 bond to construct the building — $4.7 million accounted for inflation.

Alongside its large arena, Memorial Hall was the premier civic auditorium hosting events like basketball games, concerts, plays and community gatherings.

Outside of the main arena included two exhibition areas and many meeting rooms.

View of students in Memorial Hall attending a Business Management and Law class. c1940. <b>Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</b> — View of students in Memorial Hall attending a Business Management and Law class. c1940. **Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum**

For Memorial Hall's early years, the community hosted basketball tournaments, Boy Scout events and piano recitals, but soon, its stage hosted renowned musicians like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.

By the 1940s, New York Broadway Musicals began visiting Salina, with productions like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "Tabacco Road." Military bands and exhibitions filled the arena floor each year alongside the musicals.

Memorial Hall, c1945.<b> Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</b> — Memorial Hall, c1945. Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum

In the 1960s, dance filled the Hall with the student-led Cherokee Club sponsored by Salina's YMCA and YWCA. The Beach Boys visited Memorial Hall in 1966 to perform for the community, followed by Herman's Hermits in 1970.

Marymount College basketball competed in the arena, beginning their historic 106-undefeated run on Memorial Hall's court.

In 1973, building managers called for serious renovations, including the upgrades in a $4.8 million bond to reopen the building as Memorial Activities Center.

The community voted against the bond, killing Memorial Hall's renovation plan, including a pedestrian tunnel connecting the nearby courthouse and the Hall underground.

Memorial Hall, c1970. <b>Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum</b> — Memorial Hall, c1970. **Photo courtesy Smoky Hill Museum**

Multiple community organizations, including the Salina Chamber of Commerce, then decided to help renovate parts of the building.

The Hall continued operations as a civic auditorium until 1979, when it reopened as the Bicentennial Center.

Since then, multiple agencies, businesses and organizations have operated from the building, including USD 305, Salina's Community Access Television and various recreation programs.

📸 Flashback Friday: Salina Post - Memorial Hall - Vol. 25