Der Rathskeller History
The Beginning
Der Rathskeller is rich with history dating back to its creation in the 1930s.
Der Rathskeller originated as a gathering place for men. On Saturday nights silent movies played. Sundays became “Cheese Night” with a Union chef carving slices from a wheel for the men to enjoy. And each week “The Eyes and Ears of the Rathskeller” updated patrons with campus news.
The space was even used for billiard exhibitions by world champions Charlie Peterson and Willie Hoppe surrounded by portable bleachers and enthusiastic onlookers.
Enter the Women
By 1937 women were granted limited access to Der Rathskeller—allowed in at will during the summer session only.
In 1941, with the start of the war, women were granted use of the room after 2:30 p.m. each day. Eventually, women were permitted full access to Der Rathskeller, despite the lingering opinion that men “ought to have a place of their own.”
Socializing
Since its creation, Der Rathskeller has been a place for gathering and socializing. Once the room became completely co-ed, dancing was added to the growing list of activities. “Danskeller” became a regular event every Friday and Saturday night on a portable dance floor set up under the iconic main archway.
Der Rathskeller Now
Der Rathskeller continues to be a symbol for socializing and gathering on campus. On any given day of the week, the room is scattered with students enjoying the space and all of its activities and events.
