Liederkranz Hall and Strempel's Hall

At one time Albany had two distinctive German enclaves.  First and largest was in the "South End." Comprising of the areas of the west side of South Pearl Street from First Avenue to Delaware Street westward out to around Eagle Street.  The second German enclave centered on the Bowery, now known as Central Avenue, Sherman and Elk Streets.  The area was also known as Cabbage Town.[1]  

In close proximity, on Central Avenue, were the anchor churches of Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Catholic Our Lady of Angels Church.  Around the corner, on Sherman Street, Liederkranz Hall was popular meeting spots for German societies.  Fashionable Biergartens and saloons in the area included Lange’s and Strempel’s. 

The Liederkranz O. S. D. F. (Order of Sons of German Freedom), was a German Gesangverien or singing society founded on March 4, 1884.  The group practiced at Strempel’s Halle located at 241 Central Avenue until it was decided on March 3, 1897, to build a hall at 210 Sherman Street.  Erection of the new hall was started on April 22, 1897 and was completed in July 1897. 

Liederkranz Hall, 210 Sherman Street, 2004

Liederkranz Hall looking towards Strempels on Central Avenue, 2004

Charles Strempel, 1897

Strempel Halle und Garten was operated by Charles Strempel, who provided choice ales, wines, liquors, and cigars.  The hall was a popular gathering point for German Vereine, or societies.  Notably, the rear of Strempe
l Halle ran through to Sherman Street and was back to back with the new Liederkranz Halle, at 210 Sherman Street, which also became the scene for many festivities.  The new Halle also had a Rathskeller, or restaurant, meeting rooms, and a bowling alley. 

1895 Albany City Directory Ad

241 Central Avenue, former site of Strempel's Hall, 2004

---

[1] Times Union, July 6, 1986, Supplement, 41:3.