Garten Verein & Kempner Park - 27th Street and Avenue O

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Interested in information covered in this episode? Dive deeper into the links below! :
Garten Verein History and Venue
Galveston Historical Foundation

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Transcript:
Garten Verein was established in 1876 by a group of German Businessmanen, initially established for the German immigrant population of the Galveston, but had an open membership.  The grounds of Garten Verein are where Kempner Park sits today. The park was full of gardens and walkways. The only surviving structure on the grounds after the 1900 Storm is the 1880 octogonal dancing pavilion, which is still a popular party and wedding venue. Before the devastation of the 1900 Storm, Garten Verein enjoyed a clubhouse for gatherings, private dining rooms, a bowling alley, tennis courts, A croquet area, a bandstand for Orchestra concerts and a fountain with many Goldfish. Garten Verein was the first location in Galveston to install underground electricity, so the park was illuminated extravagantly at night. In 1923, Stanley Kempner bought the property, including the dance hall and surrounding open space, and opened it to the public. For nearly a century, Galvestonians have enjoyed Kempner Park as one of the cities most beautiful public gathering spaces. Kempner Park is a favorite spot for anyone looking to spot elusive migratory birds! Enjoy walking through Kempner Park, and watch out for squirrels!

Key Words: Galveston, Texas, History, Island, Beach, cruise, cruise ship, vacation, Henry Rosenberg, Fountains, East End Historic District, Strand, Seawall, Bolivar, Houston, Audio Tour, Audio Guide, Free Tour, Free in Galveston, Grade Raising, civil engineering, first in Texas, German immigration, Garden Society, Kempner Park,