Germania Singing and Sport Society

Use Policy

Brew master Nicholas Schlee lived in this two-story brick house directly across the street from his Bavarian Brewery. He arrived from Bavaria in 1860 and began making waves in the Brewery District—figuratively of course, not waves of beer. Working at Schlegel’s Bavarian Brewery, he helped transition from dark German beer to the lighter and more popular lager. He slowly but steadily expanded the brewery’s footprint, buying up neighboring properties and erecting strong, attractive buildings which have all been repurposed and are still in use today. He also donated generously throughout the community, funding construction of the Southern Hotel and the Trinity Lutheran Church steeple and stained glass. Unlike the other beer barons who moved to more fashionable addresses on the east side, Schlee remained in the Brewery District, managing the day-to-day affairs of his business. He came down with tuberculosis in 1913 and died in this building at the age of 78.
Built in 1865, the tall rectangular windows topped with simple stone lintels are typical of the architectural style favored by early German immigrants in the mid 1800’s. The stonework that “zips” up either end of the façade is more common in later buildings, when the Italianate style became extremely popular. Although there have been minor alterations to the building’s façade, the two story carriage house in the rear of the building retains its original character.
The Germania Singing and Sport Society moved into the building in 1927. Founded in 1866, the Germania welcomed and oriented newly arrived immigrants to Columbus. Today, its members promote German heritage and culture through song, dance, and language classes.

Location

543 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
Get Directions

Please note: The Greater Columbus Arts Council (Arts Council) does not own or manage any public art. For the purposes of this database many pieces were entered by the Arts Council while we continue to search for the appropriate owner/manager of the work and other information to complete the entry. The Arts Council has tried to gather all available information about the works in this database, however, we acknowledge there may be missing or inaccurate information. If you can help us correct any inaccuracies, or provide more complete information, we would be grateful. Please use “Something missing? Please send us a note” below.

Something missing? Send us a note.