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The Platt Duetsche was established in 1884. The members
bought the current building in June of 1910, which was owned by Ott’s pond property, for $9,000.00. The building was
used as an ice storage building holding up to 4500 tons of ice. The inside of the building was cleaned out and remodeled into
a huge dancing and amusement hall with rooms for the steward in the 2nd story. The steward had living rooms in the hall. The
cost for remodeling, lighting, heating and plumbing is said to have cost about $11,000.00. The front door was on the north
side of the building. The first picnic and dance was held on June 20th, with a temporary dance floor and electric lights,
the members had a good time with the largest attendance ever attending. On February 7, 1911, the Platt Duetsche was opened to the public for the very first time. There was a ticket office
booth inside the door and straight south, back of this was the entrance to the large dining room. Behind the dining room was
the bar room. The bar room was ALWAYS CLOSED to the public. The second floor there is a large dance floor and stage. The interior
finishing was in natural pine color, and all the walls were tinted in a light green. Between February 7th and June 19th, a massive portico was built at the main entrance
and other finishing touches were made with members being illuminated with incandescent lights. June 19, 1911, was the formal
opening of the Platt Duetsche. The inside was decorated in national and German colors with sprays of oak leaves, the emblem
of the Society, and other foliage. Jacob Hauck, of Omaha, delivered the principal address. Mr. Hauck was known as one of the
foremost German orators in the state, reviewed the growth of the society and the obstacles that was necessary to overcome
in bringing about the present standard. The new home he styled, the finest in the state of Nebraska and a credit to the city
of Grand Island.
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