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about us
The
first meeting for the creation of a fund to build a new Serbian hall
and church in Milwaukee was held in November 1934.
 Following much research and
investigation, a site at South 51st and West Oklahoma was suggested by
the Very Reverend Milan Brkich, Dean of the St. Sava Cathedral.
Although the area was quite remote at the time, Father Brkich's
foresight envisioned it to be the most promising location for the needs
of the Milwaukee Serbian community. Soon after discovering the area,
Father Brkich invited the then church president, and members of the
building fund committee to accompany him on a visit to the property.
The location met with immediate approval by church membership. The
entire 14-acre parcel of land was purchased in February 1949, and in
the fall of 1949 the land was blessed and the cornerstone laid. The
campaign to finance the project went into immediate full swing and its
success far exceeded all expectations. Thousands of dollars were
donated because everyone was eager to help and anxious to see the dream
of a new Milwaukee Serbian hall transformed into an actual physical
reality.
The
building was completed and dedicated in September 1950, in honor of the
Serbian Orthodox young men who served with the United States armed
forces, 15 of whom lost their lives. A beautiful full-wall memorial was
later erected in honor of all who served and stands today in the lobby
of the American Serb Memorial Hall.
Upon
opening for business in 1950, the new hall soon became, by far, the
most complete modern facility on the entire South and Southwest sides
of Milwaukee. Accommodations included a 12 lane bowling alley, two
bars, kitchen facilities, and a spacious air-conditioned hall with
parking for 400 cars. Thus, making Serb Hall a popular setting for
banquets, meetings, wedding receptions, quincineras,exhibits, rallies
and other social events.
Serb
Hall's now famous Friday Fish Fries were initiated in 1967 and continue
to this day with approximately 2,000 pounds of fish now served in the
hall and at its unique drive-thru and carryout window each Friday. In
addition to the fish fries, the food served for various events at Serb
Hall over the years has become well known throughout the entire city.
In May 1987, in order to accommodate increased business and the need
for renovations, a 31,000 square foot addition became a part of Serb
Hall. With the new additions, the complex now had a capacity to serve
up to 2,000 persons with two beautiful air-conditioned halls, two
lounges, a drive-up window, remodeled bowling alleys, new office
facilities and a huge remodeled kitchen area, serving a complete menu
for groups of all sizes. The entire Serb Hall was again renovated in
late 1999, the latest addition being Kafe' International, an internet
coffee house featuring Alterra coffees.
Many, many important rallies have been held at Serb Hall and some of
the famous persons who have visited an/or spoken there over the years
include: John and Jackie Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon,
Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Lyndon Johnson, Ronald and Nancy Reagan,
George Bush, Bill Clinton, Dick Chaney, Hubert Humphrey, Edmund Muskie,
George McGovern, Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, Jerry Kleczka, Tommy
Thompson, John Norquist, Mayor Henry Meier, Harold Brier, Clement
Zablocki, William O'Donnell, Governor Jim Doyle, Mayor Tom Barrett and
the list goes on. As one NBC producer covering one of the rallies aptly
put it, "Serb Hall has been a must stop for local, state and federal
office seekers for many years."
American Serb Memorial Hall continues to serve extraordinary
hospitality to the people of Greater Milwaukee.
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