History
In the late 1800’s many Czech and Slovaks emigrated from Austria-Hungary, and made their way to America. Many found a home in Astoria, Queens. In 1892, the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society was formed, named after the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia. (Modern-day Bohemia forms the Western part of the Czech Republic.)
Eighteen years later, in 1910, the Society began raising funds for a home for the Czech people in the local community. It was to be a haven where the traditions of the homeland were to be maintained.
Two adjacent lots, part of a farm, were purchased and on October 1, 1910 the cornerstone of Bohemian Hall was laid. Bohemian Hall was built in three sections. What is today the entrance was the first Hall, but it soon became obvious more space was needed. The Main Hall was added to also be utilized as a Sokol Gym, and in 1919 the outside Bar and Park were finished – just in time for prohibition which banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in America for over a decade! But Bohemian Hall survived.
At one time, over 800 beer gardens were in New York City – three in Astoria alone. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden survives to carry the proud tradition into the new millennium!
Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria
The purposes of the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, Inc. is to encourage, support and maintain Schools, Dramatics, Lectures and Libraries for Czech and Slovak children and children of Czech and Slovak parentage: to maintain a social home for people of Czech and Slovak ancestry, in which the Czech and Slovak cultures may be taught and blended with American traditions and culture.
The Society owns and manages the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden.
The Society consists of individuals of Czech and Slovak descent and their families who have pledged themselves to work for and promote the purposes for which the Society exists.