Buckholts SPJST Lodge Hall

In 1879, Central Texas Czechs organized Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, a fraternal society that promoted social activities and insurance benefits for its members. SPJST members from Cameron, Marak and Buckholts established Lodge No. 15 in October 1907. The lodge’s official name was Svornost Jihu, meaning Southern Unity, although that name has seldom been used. Josep Slovacek and other members drew plans and built the first meeting hall, dedicated on this site on July 4, 1911, but it was destroyed by a 1915 storm. Temple architect Josef Tudlacka designed the next building, which thieves set on fire in March 1936 to distract citizens while attempting to rob the bank. Head carpenters Aley Horstman and Jeff Reeder built the present building in the summer of 1936. The distinctive frame meeting and dance hall features an octagonal plan, hinged windows and a central vent for air circulation, roof arches and hardwood floors, and the site also includes barbecue pits dug into the ground. For nonmembers, it has represented social functions, and dances, barbecues, receptions, fundraisers, commercial entertainment and social clubs have continued there. Live broadcasts by Taylor radio station KTAE in the 1950s made the hall and Buckholts known to a wider audience. Country, polka and western swing musicians including Jimmy Heap, Johnny Horton, Webb Pierce, Bob Wills and Vrazels' Polka Band played there, and the Vrazel family managed the hall from 1957 to 1971. As a fraternal lodge, social center and dance hall, it has been a Central Texas landmark for generations.

Buckholts, Texas · United States