One of the things I wanted to portray in this part of the story was the deeply rooted Texas music history. Imagine, if you will, dance halls often set in the middle of nowhere, and yet people would travel for miles around to attend a music show. Folks worked hard, and they played hard. They craved entertainment. Only a few in the more remote areas had TVs, so they flocked to live music shows.
One of the oldest and most iconic dance halls is located in the tiny town of London, Texas, in the Hill Country.
This excerpt is a glimpse into that scenario.
EXCERPT: CHAPTER 19
The picturesque, rambling dance hall sat nestled amidst a grove of giant oak trees as Red pulled the Lincoln to a stop in front of the building. Christmas lights twinkled around the front roof line, giving off a festive glow in the fast-fading Texas Hill Country sunset.
London Hall was like a scene out of a 1920s movie. The way Luke had described it didn’t begin to do it justice. The age of the building, the oak floors, the fold-out wooden windows, and the preservation of its original structure took Darlina back in time.
The only modernization she could see was electric lights and one inside bathroom for ladies. Men had to use an oak tree outside.
There was no back way to unload the band trailer. Red and Luke unhitched it from the car at the front door.
Posters lined the walls, and Darlina pointed to ones she recognized. Easy Adams and the Top Hands, Adolph Hofner, Luke Stone and The Rebel Rousers, Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers, Fiddling Frenchie Burke, and numerous other artists were on display.
As they viewed the posters, Luke explained, “Easy Adams is a good friend of mine, and he wrote Bandera Waltz. He once told me I sang it better than anyone he’d ever heard besides himself. That was a real compliment to me.”
As Red had predicted, people ranging from ninety to tiny babies crowded into the ancient dancehall.
***
People packed the dance floor. Children danced with each other and with older folks. Grandmas danced with grandpas, and sometimes, two women cut a rug together. Darlina sat in amazement, taking it all in. She could imagine how it must’ve been fifty years ago if she closed her eyes.
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Texas isn’t the only state with ancient establishments like this one. Have you ever visited or toured one? Let’s talk!
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I loved the first book and have both the others Jan. Astounding how many books on our readers and how books get squished in the pile. Lol. I enjoyed the mini history tour here. 🙂 x
Thank you so much, Debby. I’m honored that you read this book. Yes, it is amazing how many books our Kindles can hold, and they do get buried. Every time I think I’m going to go find the on that’s been there the longest and start up the list, a new one comes out. 🙂 It’s a never-ending wonderful cycle.
That’s exactly how it goes! Oye! Lol 🙂
Dance halls must have been so much fun to visit. I can imagine whole families looking forward to the experience . I’ve never been to one, but they sound like amazing places.
It was such fun, Mae, sort of similar to the barn dances they might have had in the 1800s. It was a step back in time. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment!
Fun post, Jan. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a dance hall, but your post has got me interested. ?
I’m glad my post piqued your interest, Gwen. Thank you for leaving a comment!
I don’t think I’ve been to a dance hall but they sound like a lot of fun!
It is truly like taking a step back in time, Denise. I loved it and especially the family atmosphere. So different than the bars. Thank you for visiting!
I have been to Gruene Hall several times and always loved it. Super post as it brought up those memories
That’s fantastic, John. I’m glad the post revived some good memories. Thank you for stopping by!
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I haven’t toured a historic music establishment before. Now I want to!
There are some still operating in Texas, Vera, and London Hall is one of them. Another popular one is Gruene Hall. Both are in the hill country. It’s like a step back in time to visit. Thank you for taking this Ten Days of Flowers with me!
I love this “Trace of Texas” Jan. 🙂 Haven’t been to London Hall, but I thought I’d seen that photo before. And those names… Doug was another musician who died much too young.
Loving these excerpts form your book.
I follow Traces of Texas, too, and love what they share. London Hall is still very much in operation, although it has changed hands over the years. And you are right about Doug Sahm. Sigh…the lifestyle gets lots of them. Thanks for visiting, Joan! Happy Friday 13th!
Over here, most of our dance halls have gone, sadly. Wishing you all the best with your Ten Days of Flowers, Jan ???
Like so many things, Harmony, dance halls have faded away. There are still a couple operating in Texas and one of them is London Hall. Thank you for your good wishes and for riding along on this tour!
I’ve never visited or toured a dance hall, but you’ve piqued my interest, Jan. It surprised me that children would be at these establishments. I guess I’ve always thought of dance halls as saloons, like what I watched on Gunsmoke. 🙂 Thanks for the education!
The dance halls were not bars. And they were very family friendly. Some of the men would bring a little whiskey with them, but other than that, the only alcohol available was beer. The kiddos all had a great time. It was quite an experience for me, that first time.
It seems like dance halls are a thing of the past. Not too many events like that are scheduled these days. Seems like there was always a dance for some reason or other when I grew up.
Considering where you grew up, I am quite sure there were a few dancehalls scattered around. Ironically enough, there are still a few original old dance halls operating in Texas, and one of them is London Hall. Gruene Hall and Luckenbach are both highly popular and are in the hill country. Thanks for visiting, Craig!