Ed Thrall and the Story of His Most Contentious Hall
Thrall Hall in East Windsor is a lot of things. By most accounts, it's a fascinating example of vernacular or folk architecture, a 70' x 100' facility with a floor resting on tires that could be pumped up to vary the amount of spring on the dance floor. The floor itself is designed with tiles designed by Thrall's wife placed to show the home positions for more than 200 dancers.
Ed Thrall built the dance hall over ten years from materials he recovered from demolition projects, sometimes salvaging pieces of historical interest. He built it his own way following his own idiosyncratic ideas about architecture. Thrall Hall contains some engineering marvels including the use of recycled tractor trailer tires under the dance floor to give it adjustable bounce.
Ed Thrall was a peculiar and troubled man. He didn't work and play well with others and you'll hear today an occasionally hair-raising account of his battles with the town.
Photos and text are here, along with the audio file. The audio is also available here. Also available is an account of a visit to the hall by the Connecticut Historical Society.
Tags: Connecticut, dance hall, Ed Thrall, Thrall Hall
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Thrall Hall in East Windsor is a lot of things. By most accounts, it's a fascinating example of vernacular or folk architecture, a 70' x 100' facility with a floor resting on tires that could be pumped up to vary the amount of spring on the dance floor. The floor itself is designed with tiles designed by Thrall's wife placed to show the home positions for more than 200 dancers.
Ed Thrall built the dance hall over ten years from materials he recovered from demolition projects, sometimes salvaging pieces of historical interest. He built it his own way following his own idiosyncratic ideas about architecture. Thrall Hall contains some engineering marvels including the use of recycled tractor trailer tires under the dance floor to give it adjustable bounce.
Ed Thrall was a peculiar and troubled man. He didn't work and play well with others and you'll hear today an occasionally hair-raising account of his battles with the town.
Photos and text are here, along with the audio file. The audio is also available here. Also available is an account of a visit to the hall by the Connecticut Historical Society.