Some buildings turn to dust and ashes, buried in memories. But some are saved because of remarkable efforts of someone who cared.
Little Bohemian Hall in Silverhill is a perfect example of such …
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Some buildings turn to dust and ashes, buried in memories. But some are saved because of remarkable efforts of someone who cared.
Little Bohemian Hall in Silverhill is a perfect example of such a structure, saved not just once but several times, thanks mostly to Frankie Kucera.
Little Hall's biography is a story of a spirit that seems to breathe, making her more than a structure of wood and bricks, and her heart beats just as surely as those of everyone who knows her. The story is thankfully preserved and honored by the dedication of local historian Debbie Owen, who maintains Silverhill history at www.silverhillala.com. By the way, Debbie and her husband, Phil, lovingly renovated the original Silverhill School where they live.Silverhill was founded by the Svea Land Company in 1896 as a farming community. In 1909, the earliest Bohemian settlers made their homes just southwest of the town, attracted by ads distributed by founding father Oscar Johnson. Bohemian origins were from a Slavic tribe in Bohemia, now part of Czech Republic, so the new residents brought along their Czech heritage.
The Bohemian community built a hall in 1920 for use as a schoolhouse and a meeting hall. By 1928, the children rode a bus made by Dave Forsman from his old truck to the new brick school in Silverhill. Originally built on the corner of Bohemian Hall Road and White Road, like most humans, Little Hall moved several times. She is now in her fourth home near the ballpark in Silverhill.
I first learned her history when Frankie Kucera and Susan Langley, dressed in authentic early settler attire, entertained the Baldwin County Historical Society there. Little Hall has served as a meetinghouse, classroom, dancehall, party palace and a Tae Kwon Do studio. Debbie’s webpage has a collection of newspaper articles about meetings, parties and dances held at hall. There were school box suppers, birthday parties, classes conducted by Home Extension Services and town meetings, but most articles are about dances held there, such as masquerade and traditional Old Country dances. Kathy Stastka told me locals had colorful nicknames for dances held at the hall where beer was served, and polka music rattled the rafters.
In the 1970s, Baldwin County Public Schools was already experiencing unprecedented growth. Once, former superintendent Leslie Smith told me they were “grabbing every building they could find” to use on school campuses. So, the hall was sold for $1 in 1978 and was moved to the west side of the Silverhill School campus, used as the band room and auditorium. When a new gym was built in 1988, the hall was donated to the town and moved to 3rd Street as part of the town's meeting and recreational facilities.
Then, on March 9, 2011, tragedy struck in the form of a tornado that damaged the hall beyond repair. At least that's what most people thought, but former Silverhill Mayor Frankie Kucera refused to deliver last rites. Kucera organized the Save the Little Hall Committee and as chairman presented a plan to the town. Since insurance had totaled the structure, the hall had to be removed from its location. Kucera's plan was to move the building a few yards to 4th Avenue, remaining in the town's public park area. Using part of the insurance settlement and raising extra funds, the committee was able to move and restore the historic building so the public can continue to enjoy the hall.
Little Hall's preservation is a credit to the dedication of those who treasure our legacy in this amazing place where we live. The kiosk in front of the hall is a visual memoir of this grand little lady. Inside, walls are lined with photographs, memorabilia and information. She is still a great place for a party or meeting! Go sit in the reading room at the town library housed in the original office of the Svea Land Company, another well-preserved building. Then drive around the corner — look for the water tower — and take a look at Little Bohemian Hall. If you listen you may hear traces of a lively polka band.
When you see them, give a shout out to Frankie Kucera, Susan Langley, Peco Forsman and countless others for keeping Silverhill's legacy alive. Most of all, say a big "thank you" to Debbie Owen for her diligence in preservation of this special town, "A Good Place to Live.” All photos and captions are compliments of her webpage, “A Good Place to Learn!”
