W.O.W. Hall
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The W.O.W. Hall (aka Woodmen of the World Hall, aka Community Center for the Performing Arts) is a performing arts venue located on the corner of 8th Avenue and Lincoln Street in Eugene, Oregon, United States.
A converted Woodmen of the World (W.O.W.) lodge, the venue has a maximum occupancy of 800. In addition to the main venue, there is also an onsite bar in the basement.
The W.O.W. Hall is known for its support of local acts, and for hosting a variety of different musical styles, including, hip-hop, heavy metal, Bluegrass, acid jazz, and collective art ensembles.
The W.O.W. Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. [1]
History
W.O.W. Hall was a well known west coast venue for jam band and reggae music during the 1970s and '80s. In 1984, San Francisco punk band Dead Kennedys played the W.O.W. Hall. During the show singer Jello Biafra threw packets of Jell-O mix onto the crowded dancefloor, resulting in damage to the floor.[citation needed] Punk bands were banned from the hall until the late 1980s when management agreed to permit a performance in the basement by The Flaming Lips.[citation needed]
The corner of 8th and Lincoln has been a community gathering place since the days of city founder Eugene Skinner. The first building erected on the site was a small church. In 1883 the First Presbyterian Church replaced the original building with what was considered one of Eugene’s finest public structures. True to the neighborly ways of that era, other denominations and community groups were allowed use of the facility.
In 1890 the Woodmen of the World fraternal organization was formed in Omaha, Nebraska, and soon swept the western United States. A chapter formed in Eugene and provided health benefits, life insurance and burial costs while undertaking charitable and recreational activities for children and adults. Women participated through a sister organization, the Women of Woodcraft.
In 1906 the Woodmen bought the Presbyterian church and renamed it Woodmen of the World Hall. The present building was constructed in 1932. An ambitious project during the Great Depression, it was, according to the Eugene Morning Register, the most expensive building constructed that year at a value of $8000 and considered, “modern in every detail.” The very best of craftsmanship and materials were used with much of the work provided by volunteers. Of particular note was the beautiful hardrock maple ‘floating’ dance floor designed especially for square and ballroom dancing. Dances were held every Saturday night.
A large array of concerts, classes, meetings and theatrical productions were staged at the ‘Double-U-O-Double-U’ (as they called it during the thirties and forties). In the 1950’s, some of Eugene’s first rock and roll dances were held here. As the Woodmen chapter became older and inactive, promoters used the Hall for various productions.