Formerly known as Rooming House 4, this building originally served as a community house for the single men in Father George Rapp’s communal society.

After the Harmonists sold New Harmony to Robert Owen, it became a community building where lectures, dances, and other social activities were held. It became known as the Union Hall in 1859 when it was purchased by the Dramatic Association and became the second largest theater and ballroom in Indiana.

Eugene S. Thrall bought and improved the building in 1888, adding the front facade, cherry paneling, arches over the windows and door, and a curved balcony. Serving primarily as a theatre until 1910, the structure was turned into a gas station in 1914. Double doors were installed in front to accommodate cars, the backstage area served as a grease pit, and the balcony was used as auto parts storage. Purchased by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1964, the structure