Named for early settler David Shelby, the town began to develop under the German Adelsverein and the construction of a grain mill by Otto von Roeder. Shelby’s “Harmonie Verein” singing society began in 1875. Harmonie Hall was built as a venue for verein activities in 1883 on four acres for $272.50. With a wood exterior and tin roof, the hall became the center for social life in Shelby – promoting the all-important German-Texan virtues of song, community, art, and science. Those virtues are preserved here even today, as the hall serves as a venue for regular dances, polka concerts, and an antique show that draws visitors from across the state.
Watch our German Texas Dance Halls video to learn more about German Texan cultural heritage in Texas. This video was produced for inclusion in our German Texans mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. Download the app for more videos and travel information: