The Founding of the Bavarian Hall

The Bavarian Aid Society, founded in February 1887, was created by Bavarian German immigrants working at the Altoona Railroad Shops. The society aimed to provide social and beneficial support for its members. The original ten founders were George Lunglhofer, John Wiegman, Pantaleen Frischkorn, George Vogel, Joseph Zollner, Theodore Ziegler, Joseph Frischkorn, John Loeb, John Knott, and Philip Kummel. Meetings began in the home of the first president, George Lunglhofer, and later moved to Christopher Columbus Hall and St. Mary’s Church basement. The society received its charter on October 16, 1889. Through periods of adversity and discrimination, the society strengthened the German community in Altoona.

In 1913, a new residence for the Bavarian Aid Society was rented on 3rd Avenue and 7th Street. In 1922, the society started constructing a new facility at the intersection of Crawford Avenue and 13th Street, where it is currently located.  In October 1927, the facility was completed, establishing a permanent home for the Bavarian Aid Society.

We banded together over a century ago to share and continue a community.

The organization’s bowling lanes have been a key feature for the membership. An addition toward the alley side of the building was made, and four bowling lanes were built in the 1940s. In 1971, another addition towards the Crawford Avenue side was constructed to accommodate four additional bowling lanes in 1972. In 1985, the original building housing the club room was demolished and rebuilt.

In 1995, after acquiring several properties along the Crawford Avenue side of the club, a new building was constructed to house sixteen bowling lanes in one area. These lanes are considered state-of-the-art and are among the top lanes in the Altoona area. The new bowling lanes opened for the fall leagues of 1996, and the old lanes were dismantled. The rooms that previously housed the old lanes were renovated into party rooms available for various activities and rentals.

Today we continue to celebrate our proud German heritage.

In 2014, renovations were completed in the main Social Hall of the club. The updates included new energy-efficient LED lighting, heating, sound system, expanded bar area, and an additional dry bar area with high-top pub tables. All booths, tables, and chairs were renewed. These renovations were aimed at making the hall modern and inviting for its members.