Sons of Hermann Hall
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.