Two-Step Over to an Amazing Dance Hall Exhibit in Boerne

Lord knows it’s not easy getting to all the honky-tonks in Texas! The center of life for many early settlers, dance halls need to be preserved and patronized now more than ever. One great way to get insight into some of these sites is visiting the Patrick Heath Public Library, at 415 North Main Street in Boerne, where teaming up with Texas Dance Hall Preservation (TDHP) has led to a new photography exhibit called “Two-Step Your Way Through Time in Historic Texas Dance Halls.” It additionally features historical artifacts and dance programs.

Photo by Honky Tonk Foodie

This exhibit is a double win as it fits with the Boerne Library’s music-themed 2018 Summer Reading Program. The program celebrates music and history in central Texas communities and brings attention to the preservation cause. It is free and open for viewing in the Library Gallery, located just inside the automatic doors of the main building, immediately to the left. Visit this display from June 4 through July 19 during regular library hours.

To further expand on the topic, the public is also invited to a reception and talk which will be held on July 18, led by Texas Dance Hall Preservation Executive Director Deb Fleming. It takes place in the Community Room from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. At one time, Texas had over 1,000 dance halls, but today, less than 400 remain. Learn about programs being enacted to preserve historic halls, as well as several histories of these cornerstone buildings and their associated communities.

Photo by Honky Tonk Foodie

Photographers of the exhibit include Deborah Fleming, Gary E. McKee, Dave Norris Photography, Wendy Schutt, and Jennie Trower. Sponsors include Ranch Connection LLC and Duncan Springs Farms. If you can’t make it to Boerne, all of the images in the exhibit can be viewed and purchased from Holland Photo, and all proceeds will go directly to TDHP and their preservation efforts.  Enjoy this unique perspective on early Texas life and its application today!