Bluecher Park and Dance Hall

Bluecher Park and Dance Hall. . In 1901, Edward E. Hildebrandt bought land from Moritz Richter and moved an existing house with the intention of creating a park with a community building. He built a 40' x 60' sixteen-cornered building with hardwood floors and a bandstand. Outside were gazebos and stands for concessions. One of the first events held at the new Hildebrandt Park was a benefit for the Shiner Fire Department in September 1901., The Order of the Sons of Hermann, Bluecher Lodge No. 20, purchased the property in 1905 and renamed it Bluecher Park. The group made improvements to the land, including the addition of a bowling alley. From its earliest days, the park was a family and social meeting place for all citizens of Shiner, as well as many civic organizations political rallies, concerts, baseball games, Easter Egg hunts and other celebrations brought people from all over the county to Bluecher Park. The Shiner High School basketball team played official games in the park pavilion and the first tournament and convention of the Catholic Young Men's Athletic Sokol Association, a Slavic Gymnastic Society, was held here., In the 1940s, the park exchanged owners until it was purchased by the American Legion Post. It was renamed Kolar-Stanek American Legion Post No. 201 in honor of the first two world war one soldiers from Shiner killed in action. Over the years, the buildings were renovated and amenities expanded to host countless events and celebrations, attracting young and old, citizens and visitors. Now owned by the Knights of Columbus, the park and dance hall continue to serve as the social venue for the community, preserving the cultural heritage of Shiner and its early residents.