Saturday, Jan. 22, was the date of the dedication of a Texas Historical Commission historic marker at the Peters-Hacienda Community Hall in between Sealy and Bellville.

This hall was the last of three built by Joachim Hintz, a talented carpenter, who built three multisided structures that still exist. The other two are the Turnverein in Bellville and the Cat Spring Agricultural Society Hall.

Mark Meloneck, president of the Peters Hall, welcomed the visitors. Judge Clyde Drake gave the opening prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Many of the guests were descendants of past members of the association.

Grace Holtkamp, with the Austin County Historical Commission, gave some historic facts about the hall. She then introduced the guest speaker, Steph McDougal from the Houston area who was very interested in the round dance halls of Austin County.

McDougal wrote her master’s thesis at the University of Texas on these three round dance halls and others in Texas. She also introduced two members of the Texas Dance Hall Preservation. This organization has helped dance halls in Austin County and other counties with financing to make needed repairs.

This hall is a very historic hall built in 1900 as a shooting school, to keep everyone skilled should the need arise. This is a very fine example of outstanding architecture built when everything had to be done by hand.

If you have not had a chance to see one of these halls, built over 100 years ago, visit them whenever they are open.