When Rainbow Garden opened in 1926 it was one of the largest open-air dance halls in Ohio. Its founders also envisioned a large recreation complex which would include boxing matches, an athletic field for professional football and baseball teams and a basketball court. In the end, only the dance hall was completed. The other plans never materialized because of the Great Depression, World War II and the change in musical tastes.

Nevertheless, for 33 years Rainbow Garden was Fremont’s premiere hot spot, boasting some of the best entertainment in the country. The Garden closed in 1959 after a series of alcohol raids by state liquor control agents.