History of the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation
In November 1999, the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation, took over the ownership of the ballroom from the Hartford Rotary Club and received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
In January 2000, the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation created a fundraising committee to organize the “Encore: Making It Yours” campaign. The goal of this campaign was to raise $850,000 with $750,000 going towards debt reduction and the remaining $100,000 to be put towards minor building improvements and equipment. This figure was decided upon so that after a significant portion of the debt would be paid, the Ballroom would generate enough of a cash flow to service the remaining debt and be able to be self-sufficient. The committee was successful in raising approximately $750,000 through the generosity of local businesses and citizens of Hartford and surrounding communities.
In April 2003, the HHPF hired a new Executive Director, Michele Price to run day-to-day operations. In September 2003, the HHPF received a $150,000 challenge grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation. The Jeffris Family Foundation is a highly respected organization dedicated to restoring historical sites in Wisconsin. Their funds are restricted for facility preservation, structural integrity, and historical renewal. With receipt of this gift, the HHPF Board organized a new fundraising campaign named the ‘Chandelier Challenge.’ The prior ‘Encore’ campaign secured the facility’s ownership for future generations. The ‘Chandelier Challenge’ fund drive would ensure historical renewal and structural integrity of the building hereafter.
In April 2003, the HHPF hired a new Executive Director, Michele Price to run day-to-day operations. In September 2003, the HHPF received a $150,000 challenge grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation. The Jeffris Family Foundation is a highly respected organization dedicated to restoring historical sites in Wisconsin. Their funds are restricted for facility preservation, structural integrity, and historical renewal. With receipt of this gift, the HHPF Board organized a new fundraising campaign named the ‘Chandelier Challenge.’ The prior ‘Encore’ campaign secured the facility’s ownership for future generations. The ‘Chandelier Challenge’ fund drive would ensure historical renewal and structural integrity of the building hereafter.
On October 26, 2003, the ballroom celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation hosted an event open to the public which allowed those who had not visited the ballroom in years, to once again, enter its doors and see the beauty of the facility. Bert Hutchison, past-president of the HHPF board, estimated that the event drew between 1,000-1,500 people. The HHPF board had invited Marty Zivko to attend the event, but sadly he had passed away just days prior to the special celebration. Past HHPF presidents John Spielmann and Werner Wolpert were honored at the event.
From 2004-2009 the Ballroom hosted numerous public events, held during the fall and winter months which include standup comedy nights, and local bands including Vic Ferrari, Oil Can Harry, The Sweet Tarts, Tony Rocker, The Doo-Wop Daddies, Road Trip and The Toys. The rest of the years were filled with charity dinner auctions, high school proms, corporate and leisure events, awards banquets and many, many weddings. Throughout the years Miss Price added an outdoor gazebo for ceremonies, an octagonal brick patio with bricks available for purchase commemorating the immense number of special events held at the Ballroom throughout the years, a large amount of landscaping with outdoor lighting, along with many other aesthetic changes all keeping the historic integrity intact.
From 2004-2009 the Ballroom hosted numerous public events, held during the fall and winter months which include standup comedy nights, and local bands including Vic Ferrari, Oil Can Harry, The Sweet Tarts, Tony Rocker, The Doo-Wop Daddies, Road Trip and The Toys. The rest of the years were filled with charity dinner auctions, high school proms, corporate and leisure events, awards banquets and many, many weddings. Throughout the years Miss Price added an outdoor gazebo for ceremonies, an octagonal brick patio with bricks available for purchase commemorating the immense number of special events held at the Ballroom throughout the years, a large amount of landscaping with outdoor lighting, along with many other aesthetic changes all keeping the historic integrity intact.
In 2011 the HHPF along with its Executive Director, Michele Price began plans to restore the empty kitchen area. The ‘Ballroom Bistro Benefit’ was held on October 12, 2012 to raise money for the restoration. The proceeds from that event along with some operational monies provided the necessary funding to get the project rolling. The board approved the start of construction which took place March 1st 2013. A&N Contracting was hired to be the general contractors and oversee the project. The Ballroom catered its first wedding on September 7, 2013.
On March 28, 2015 the HHPF hosted its first 'Toasting & Tasting Event' which brought the foundation to a 'full circle' point. The HHPF had the opportunity to give back to the community who had been so supportive to the Ballroom for so many years. The HHPF was able to donate funds to the Brasure School House, the Downtown Hartford Holiday Lights Project as well as donating three, $500.00 scholarships to the Moraine Park Technical College Culinary Arts Department. The event was such a success, the HHPF agreed to make this an annual fundraiser to support other projects in the Hartford community.
On March 11, 2016 the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation signed the paperwork to purchase the Schwartz Family House from its current owners, the Kluck Family. The Schwartz Family House was formally owned by Joseph Schwartz, who built the Schwartz (Chandelier) Ballroom in 1928. The HHPF plans to honor its mission statement by restoring and preserving another significant historical property in the city of Hartford.
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On August 18, 2017, Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation Board President Pat Frank and Executive Director Michele Price graciously accepted a plaque in Madison recognizing The Schwartz Family House's official listing on the State Register of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Review Board. Traci Schnell of Heritage Research, Ltd., assisted the HHPF during the nomination process.
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The HHPF held its annual Toasting & Tasting Event on Friday, April 13, 2018, and the event was a great success. Funds raised through the event will be used to install a new HVAC system at the Schwartz House, which will keep the home at a consistent temperature throughout the year, preserving the architectural and artistic details of the home.
The current HHPF Board includes from left to right: Nate Schlotthauer, Dennis Regan, Pat Frank, Michele Price, Scott Henke, Matt Schwechel, and John Spielmann. (Not pictured: Troy Fassbender) If you are interested in becoming a member of the HHPF Board of Directors, please contact us at 262.673.4946.
The historic Chandelier Ballroom always has a laundry list of projects that need our attention. We made significant improvements to the HVAC system and roof and also renovated the ladies' restroom in spring 2018.
On June 8, 2018, the Hartford Historic Preservation Foundation proudly displayed the Schwartz Family House permanent historical marker. The marker depicts the rich history of this amazing piece of property. We welcome you stop by any time to see the historical marker in person!
2018 marks the 90th anniversary of the Chandelier Ballroom, and we will be hosting a fabulous gala on Saturday, November 3rd, to celebrate the rich history of this special venue. We hope to see you there!
