Learning To Dance
I grew up in the 1930s going to these halls with my parents [Hail the Halls, February 2019]. That’s how I learned to dance—on Daddy’s toes and watching my parents having fun. My sister and I would run and play, then when it got late, fall asleep under the benches on a quilt listening to the music.
Anhalt Hall still looks just the same and is continuing the tradition today. Thanks for bringing it all back.
Dorothy Alves Rodgers | Schertz
Guadalupe Valley EC
I was amused by the part that said Hank Wilson got his start in Texas dance halls. My reaction was that somewhere in the great beyond, Leon Russell is smiling. Russell chose that name for his first country album, Hank Wilson’s Back, in 1973. I always appreciated that clever move to combine the last names of the two country music Hanks, Williams and Thompson.
Steve Finlay | Lorena
Heart of Texas EC
Editor’s note: The reference to Hank Wilson, which was in error, has been corrected to Hank Williams in the online version of the story.
My two favorites are (of course) the archetypal, venerable Gruene Hall in New Braunfels and Schroeder Hall near Fannin. I’ve heard a lot of good music in both.
Sylvia Pesek | Via Facebook
Read Right Here
My kin have been scattered throughout Texas since their arrival between 1839 and 1848. Yet, incredibly, I had never heard of or knew about cochineals [The Bugs That Make You See Red, February 2019]. Thanks to Martha Deeringer for bringing that most interesting and enlightening story to the pages of Texas Co-op Power.
Mike Neal Edmonds | Austin
Pedernales EC
Texas’ First Flag
I don’t see the first flag of the Republic of Texas [A Chapter in La Bahia’s History, Currents, February 2019]. In fact, the only place I’ve ever seen it depicted as our flag is on the Texas State Historical Association website.
It perplexes me that the flag originally authorized by Texas’ first Congress is everywhere ignored: “an azure ground with a large golden star central.” Our present flag didn’t fly over Texas until January 1839.
Jerre Conder | Van Zandt County
Trinity Valley EC
Thanking a Veteran
As the proud father of a member of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group in Okinawa, I have a message for Vietnam veteran Dave Swallow of San Marcos [Remembering Veterans, Letters, February 2019]: A belated welcome home, sir, and of course, thank you for your service.
Danny Boote | Little Elm
CoServ
The Concept of Giving
I think there is a more meaningful interpretation of “charity begins at home” [The Need for Charity, Letters, January 2019]. The concept of charity begins at home.
I had the good fortune and blessing of being raised by two exceptional and godly parents. I learned from hearing their words and observing their lives that you don’t have to be Bill Gates to be a philanthropist. There are very few of us who can’t give something.
Dora S. White | Rocksprings
Pedernales EC
