Buckholts in Milam County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Buckholts SPJST Lodge Hall
In 1879, Central Texas Czechs organized Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas (SPJST), 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 official name of the lodge was Svornost Jihu, which translates as "Southern Unity," although that name has been seldom used. Josep Slovacek and other members drew plans and built the first meeting hall, dedicated on this site on July 4, 1911 but 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 they attempted to rob the bank.
Head Carpenters Aley Horstman and Jeff Reeder built the present building in the summer on 1936. The distinctive frame meeting and dance hall features an octagonal plan, hinged windows and central vent for air circulation, roof arches and hardwood floors. The site also includes barbecue pits dug into the ground.
To nonmembers, the Buckholts SPJST Lodge Hall represents social functions. Dances, barbecues, receptions fundraisers, commercial entertainment and social clubs continue to this day. Live broadcasts by Taylor radio station KTAE in the 1950s made the hall and Buckholts known to a wider audience. Noted Country, Polka and Western Swing musicians including Jimmy Heap, Johnny Horton, Webb Pierce, Bob Wills and Vrazels' Polka Band have played this venue. The Vrazel family also managed the hall from 1957 to 1971. As a fraternal lodge, social center and dance hall, the site has been a Central Texas landmark for generations.
Marker is Property of the State of Texas
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15079.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1936.
Location. 30° 52.178′ N, 97° 7.188′ W. Marker is in Buckholts, Texas, in Milam County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 190 and North 16th Street, on the left when traveling south on U.S. 190. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buckholts TX 76518, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Texas 36th Division Memorial Highway (approx. 4.7 miles away); Bryant Station (approx. 4.7 miles away); O.J. Thomas High School (approx. 8 miles away); St. Monica's Catholic Church (approx. 8 miles away); William Persky (approx. 8.3 miles away); Sharp Cemetery (approx. 8.4 miles away); Wied Hardware Store (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buckholts.
Also see . . .
1. Buckholts SPJST Lodge Hall. A short history of the Buckholts SPJST Lodge Hall. (Submitted on December 11, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
2. The Czechs of Texas. The Czech people were very early pioneers in the State of Texas. (Submitted on December 11, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.