This building was built in 1862. It had a variety of communal uses. The wooden beam frame and brick exterior have braved the years and can attest to the sturdy construction of the local craftsmen. This building as still standing and is a private residence.
Through most of it's years, this building has been a residence. In it's infancy, it had a much higher purpose; it was the main church of South Amana until the current one was build in 1871. Commonly, but mistakenly, called the Zweiter Saal (Second Church, I believe), it was actually one of the first churches used, though services were often held in several locations. Perhaps the German name came to it after the Versammlung Saal (Service or main church) was built.
In looking at the construction, one would believe that this building was once a communal kitchen. It was not, at least as far as any information that I have found. It housed many different families, and has been a singular and multiple family dwelling at different times. One of the things unique about this property is the woodshed and washhouse. These outbuildings are still the originals. The reason I find this unique is that many of the original building of this type have been destroyed or modified to an extent. I like to think that these building, although not as interesting as the main buildings in town, are just as important to the history of South Amana. You can see these buildings from both streets going past this house. It might be worth a quick glance. The flowers on the property are also easy on the eye.