February 17, 1876 – The Daily Press gives front page exposure to the new Slezak National Hall.

In 1872, a recent immigrant to Iowa City from Bohemia – Johann Slezak – bought two lots on the corner of Bloomington & Linn Streets. By 1875, his son – Joseph Slezak had opened the first of four buildings that would end up being called The National Hall. A true commercial center, Slezak Hall included a hotel, a dance hall with a stage and balcony, a grocery store, a tavern & restaurant, and even a horse stable to park your wagon and/or buggy!

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