Bonham Exchange (San Antonio, Paris, Alamo: work, home, college)

[westendwero]

Does anybody know if the Bonham Exchange is still a good spot on Wednesday Nights?

[adtobias]

it use to be. college night

[neddy]

Not any where near what it used to be. I used to work there and my friend is one of the mgrs there now and he said they run the best numbers on Friday nights.

[940]

Wow..that place used to be such a big hangout for us back in the 80s during college at TU.... We were there so much that I even got to know many of the employees and the owner, Hap Veltman.

[millie61]

what age group o there ????

[ShaneSA]

Unfortunatly, Hap Veltman is gone. The crowds are not as good as they used to be in the 80's. Friday is about the only night I like. The crowd is mixed ages, mostly generation X. Still fun on Friday night.

[maluminse]

whats the history of the building. I was sure it was a residence. Ive been in the very top which looks exactly like a master bedroom. My elder aunt says it was the uso which ive confirmed. Wasnt it owned by a Jewish family? I mean the stars of david in the stained glass cant be have put in for a uso....

[icebrg]

Originally Posted by maluminse

whats the history of the building. I was sure it was a residence. Ive been in the very top which looks exactly like a master bedroom. My elder aunt says it was the uso which ive confirmed. Wasnt it owned by a Jewish family? I mean the stars of david in the stained glass cant be have put in for a uso....

From the AIA 2007 San Antonio Architecture Guide:

"Turnverein Building c.1891 (Bonham Exchange) 411 Bonham Street, James Wahrenberer, Architect

Located in an area that has suffered greatly from demolition, this landmark was constructed by San Antonio's Turnverein, a 19th centruy social and gymnastic club that later Anglicized its name to the Turners. The local membership included prominent German immigrants who commissioned a design that attested to their group's status. An enlarged version of the Reuter Building, also built in 1891, the Turnverein represents Warhenberger's most sophisticated work. The complexity of the main facade is almost overworked, but the building is nevertheless an excellent example of how the Renaissance elements were used before the architectural climate of the country changed with the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. This structure would actually be more at home on the streets of Paris than in any American city of the period."

Other information on the building:

The federal government bought the property 1942 for use as a U.S.O. With anti-German sentiment flourishing during World War II, all the German markings were removed from the building. The stone name "Turner Halle" was removed, the Star of David stained glass windows in the ballroom were boarded over, and the building was painted olive green.

Local entrepreneur and club owner, Arthur "Hap" Veltman, purchased the building in 1981 to open a nite club. The new club was named after James Bonham, one of the heroes of the Alamo. Veltman, who died in 1988, left the club to his partner Kenneth Garrett and his colleague Wade Strauch who died in 1992. Garrett still owns the building today.

The Bonham Exchange has evolved into one of San Antonio’s most popular and successful gay clubs.

[maluminse]

@Iceberg. Wow! thanks thats pretty complete. Very interesting. Whats still odd and interesting is why would a builder building a club for Germans put stars of David in the windows?
Just as interesting when the US gov bought why would they cover the stars of david during anti-german sentiiment? Interestnig nonetheless! I wonder if Garett would be willing to give tours of his building. I mean im sure the club is not full access. I bet theres interesting back rooms and basements in the building.

[metalfish]

Its such a nice building although im curious as to why it hasnt been worked on, it looks like its falling apart.