FOCUS ON THE BACKROADS: TEXAS DANCE HALLS – FISCHER HALL

Fischer, Texas was established in the 1850’s as a supply center on a section of road, known as the Devil’s Backbone, between Blanco and San Marcos.  Hermann Fischer in 1853, built a log trading post, know as, Fischer’s Store,  to serve the local communities and folks traveling through the area.  The Potters Creek School, the first in Fischer was built in 1875 and a year later the Fischer’s Store post office was established.  Later the building also contained the local bank and saloon.

Fischer Dance Hall was built in 1895 and continues to be operated by descendants of the original family who built it.  Like many of the community halls that were built in Texas during this period Fischer Dance Hall was the social and civic center of the town.  The interior of the hall is amazing with beautiful old hand-hewn beams and rafters.

Fischer Dance Hall has been featured in many movies, including  Willie Nelson’s movie Honeysuckle Rose.

Next door to the hall is the bowling alley where on Fridays folks still enjoy an old traditional german game of “9-pins.  This building was originally a small school house.

When visiting the Texas Hill Country, Fischer, Texas is a must.  This community has changed little in the past 160 years.  The Fischer’s Store has reopened, Wednesday through Sunday afternoons – no telling what Texas treasures you will find there during your visit.

Just up the road from the store be sure and visit the Fischer Dance Hall.  Take a moment and listen – you are sure to hear the music and fun from days gone by.

Music and silence combine strongly because music is done with silence, and silence is full of music.       Marcel Marceau