In the 1890s, a national fraternal organization – the Sons of Hermann – opened in Texas to help preserve German traditions and ease the transition of German immigrants into American society. The Sons of Hermann sponsored annual parades and festivals, organized a school to teach children German, and advocated that a German Day be added to the Texas State Fair. The Dallas chapter built their Elm Street headquarters in 1910, which served as a dance hall, bowling alley, and meeting hall and quickly became one of the country’s largest fraternal organizations.

Today, “The Hall” is a music and event venue in the hip Deep Ellum arts district, yet it maintains its connection to the state headquarters in San Antonio and the national order of Sons of Hermann.

Watch our German Texan Culture 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: