H.R. No. 1644
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dance halls played a special role in the settlement
of the Lone Star State, and Texas Dance Hall Pr
eservation is
dedicated to raising awareness of their enduring value; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-19th century, Texans who immigrated from
central Europe prioritized construction of dance halls in their new
communities; they used traditional craftsmanship to build these
facilities as social hubs serving a variety of organizations, from
singing, shooting, and physical fitness clubs to religious groups,
community insurance associations, and agricultural organizations;
as central to community life as courthouses and churches, the halls
also hosted social dances, becoming incubators for a wide variety
of Texas music styles including polka, Western swing, honky-tonk,
conjunto, Tejano, and barrelhouse blues; and
WHEREAS, The state once boasted more than 1,000 dance halls,
each telling a unique story through its design and structure; as
small towns lost population or were absorbed into suburbs, the
dance halls began to disappear, and today there are fewer than 400;
over a quarter of these are at risk, and while some still welcome
dancers, others have been repurposed; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Texas Dance Hall Preservation was founded
to save these buildings and the authentic music and culture they
have nurtured; the organization promotes the use of dance halls as
venues for music, social dancing, and assembly, and it sponsors
informational programs for the public; moreover, it encourages
historical documentation, awards grants to assist with restoration
and repairs, and provides consulting to support the economic
contributions that halls make to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Dance halls are a priceless part of our heritage,
and through its efforts, Texas Dance Hall Preservation is helping
to ensure that these distinctive buildings continue to function as
catalysts for social cohesion and cultural enrichment; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Texas Dance Hall Preservation for its
outstanding work and encourage all Texans to explore, enjoy, and
support dance halls in their communities and across the state; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for TDHP as an expression of high regard by the Texas House
of Representatives.
Morrison
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1644 was adopted by the House on May
24, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House