Shiner marker dedications set Saturday

BOBBY HORECKA, MANAGING EDITOR

BOBBYHORECKA@GMAIL.COM

What began in the mind of E.E. Hildebrandt 121 years ago will be recognized Saturday for the true Shiner landmark it has become when the local Knights of Columbus host a dual historical marker dedication in front of the hall.

For it was in March 1901 that Mr. Hildebrandt first announced his plan to erect a 40-foot by 60-foot building, which before all was said and done, evolved into a far more elaborate pavilion, “a place where dances and celebrations can be held regularly.”

If he could only see it and the beautiful grounds of “his park” now.

Mr. Hildebrandt would later sell his park and its buildings to the Hermann Sons Lodge (ODHS), who kept the property another four decades and bestowed it the name Bluecher Park Verein, a name which stuck for years and will now appear on one of the two markers to be dedicated on April 23.

In 1945, Shiner’s “Big Three” purchased the property (Dr. A. A. Darilek Sr., Joseph Patek and Joseph Muras). They ran the property for three years before selling in April 1949 to the Shiner American Legion Kolar/Stanek Post.

Shiner Legionnaires would maintain and operate the place for 61 years after, until 2010, when an aging and declining membership decided to trade halls with the local KCs, its present owners.

From its earliest days, the park has served as a family and social gathering place for Shiner’s citizenry, hosting many civic organizations, weddings, concerts, baseball games and Easter egg hunts. The venue even played host to the Shiner High School basketball team’s first games, as well as the Catholic Young Men’s Athletic Sokol Association, a Slavic gymnastic society.

Of course, one can hardly mention the park and hall without paying respects to one of its most famous performers—Joe Patek and his renowned orchestra—and a Shiner icon memorialized as part of Saturday’s dedication. Their music is still enjoyed by many bands who have followed in their footsteps.

The event begins at 10 a.m. with Doug Kubicek, president of the Lavaca County Historical Commission, leading the unveiling and giving a brief history on each of the markers. Come join Shiner KC Council 3081 as they recognize and honor the significance of these two Shiner institutions.