Central Business District in Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

A.U.V. Auditorium

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

1. A.U.V. Auditorium Marker

Inscription. Completed in 1898, this huge building, with its elegant ballroom, replaced the old hall of the German Workingmen’s Benevolent Association or Arbeiter Unterstützungs Verein (A.U.V.). Organized in Kalamazoo in 1866, this association offered aid, insurance and recreation to its members. By 1904 it was one of over eighty A.U.V. affiliates in Michigan. Although greatly altered, with the original spires removed, the building continues to be a reminder of the state’s German heritage.

The A.U.V. building, which stood immediately to the south of this building, was destroyed by the tornado of May 13, 1980. This marker, first dedicated in 1977, was rededicated on the three hundredth anniversary of the arrival of the first Germans in America, September 17, 1983.

Erected 1977 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L488.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 42° 17.48′ N, 85° 34.896′ W. Marker is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in Kalamazoo County. It is in the Central Business District. Marker is on Portage

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Street near East Michigan Avenue (Business Highway 94), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo MI 49007, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Peninsula Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Caleb Sweetland Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Button-Jannasch Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Haymarket Historic District (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Haymarket Historic District (about 400 feet away); Art Deco (about 400 feet away); Transportation (about 500 feet away); The Upjohn Company / William E. Upjohn (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalamazoo.

More about this marker. In 1983, the Commission granted permission to move the wall-mounted marker to the Peninsula building at 111 Portage Street. The original A.U.V. Auditorium building, located at 137 Portage Street, was destroyed by a tornado on May 13, 1980.

A.U.V. Auditorium Additonal Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

2. A.U.V. Auditorium Additonal Marker

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 12, 2022

3. A.U.V. Auditorium Marker

The historical marker is mounted to the right side of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.