Location: 3709 Franklin Blvd, Glenwood
Around the 1930’s a hall was built on the old highway between Eugene and Springfield which was called “The Midway” and later, “The Holland”. We played dances there one winter. They held wrestling and boxing matches there and finally turn it into a skating rink, then into a grocery store. Source: Vera McAdams Manuscript, LCHM
Building History
Feb 17, 1927 Midway Dance Pavilion
1927 – 1939 The Midway Ballroom
1941 – 1948 The Holland (nightclub)
“Formerly quite a favorite with Oregon dancers (in the days when gas did not come in eyedroppers). Now gathering place of a “bunch of the boys” on week nights when they should be doing something more constructive. Springfield bus passes right in front. City ordinance lets taxis come within two blocks.” -Source: The Ore-nter, 1944-1945
June 27, 1949 – Holland Market
May 21, 1954 – New Holland Market
Currently a Tire Warehouse – Big B Tire Store
Register Guard Ads and Articles
1941 – Manager L. D. Erickson / S.D Erickson
Jan 31 1941 – Manager L.D. Erickson expressed regret that scores of people were turned away from the dinner and dancing resort last Saturday night for lack of reservations. Although the Holland has a table capacity for nearly 500, crowds attending were to great to accommodate. Reservations phone 1592 or 4080.
Aug 28 1941 – The Holland to Open Aug 28th. Fine dining and dancing resort midway between Eugene and Springfield on the Pacific Hwy. Many new improvements have been incorporated at the Holland for the convenience of its patrons L.D. Erickson – Manager
1942 – Manager S.D. Erickson states, “Extensively remodeled with a big new maple hardwood dance floor, new air conditioning system, new loud speaking system which enables dance patrons to hear the dance music from any point on the spacious floor. New beautiful drapes and richly carpeted floors top of the interior decorations which have made the Holland one of the best rated night clubs in the Pacific Northwest.” (Source: Eugene Register-Guard) Regular Admission 75 cents, including tax Except Saturday
1946 Ads describe the Holland as, “Eugene’s Gayest Nite Spot”
1948 Ads describe the Holland as, “Eugene’s Leading Spot for Floor Shows and Entertainment”
Dec 17, 1948 Ad states, “New policy – no cover charge or admission”
June 27, 1949 Holland Market will open this Saturday… which emerged from the re-modeled night club, will officially open this Saturday. Owner Verne Minkler said… (the Holland Market had a big windmill always spinning…was it there when it was the Holland nightclub??)
May 21, 1954 – New Holland Market Opens 3709 Franklin Blvd (last ad for market is March 1967)…building has not been in use the past year… L.D. Erickson, local contractor and John Sameluk partners in the market. (LD Erickson owned the Holland)
Music History
1939 to 1953 – the Billy Hamilton Orchestra appeared to be the “House Band” for many years.
1939 to 1944 – William El Cota with Beatrice, Francine Rogers, and Billy Hamilton’s Orchestra
Dec 22, 1939 Carl Rooen’s Band
Mar 2 1940 – Carl Rooen’s dance band
Dec 1 1940 Art Holman’s Band
Sept 27, 1941 – Vern Minkler’s 9-piece Orchestra
1941 – Eddie Gipson’s Orchestra
Mar 14, 1941 – Jack McCarty’s new and improved Orchestra
April 25, 1941 – Tommy Serine and his Orchetra (from Salem)
1942 – 1946 Art Holman and his Orchestra
April 10, 1942 – The Hollandaires/Vern Minkler’s Orch
1942 – Jan King and his Orchestra with 14 Men & a Girl
Feb 15, 1942 – Norry Kaldor and his Hollanders featuring Stuart Lay
July 1, 1942 – Ruth Barton – Sweetheart of Songs
March 11, 1943 – Bruce Patterson: World’s fastest colored banjo wizard of today plus Thurston Marionettes
Jan 31 1943 – Dick Sherman and Vern Minkler and their newly reorganized Dixieland Band
1944 – Rusty Colman and Elaine Dennis
June 9, 1944– Val Davis’ Orchestra
1945, 1946 and 1948 Herschel Davis and His Orchestra played frequently
Oct 18, 1946 – Bob Willis and his Texas Playboys
Sept 7, 1946 – Chito Izar, Famous Latin American Singer
March 24, 1946 – William El Cota, Eccentric Xylophone Virtuoso
1947-1948 Ivie Anderson (several apperances)
March 27, 1947 – George Nichols, world famous composer
Dec 1947 – Eddie Peabody
March 10, 1948 – Delta Rhythm Boys (African American group) Return engagement…
June 22, 1948 – Hoosier Hotshots
Aug 2, 1948 – Will Maston Trio featuring Sammy Davis jr
1948 – Chinese Follies of 1948