Some history behind Krisch Hall of San Antonio, Texas explored in context.

Krisch Hall is one of the forgotten dance halls of San Antonio, Texas where many masquerade balls and dance performances took place. This news article will explain the history behind Krisch Hall.

Frank Krisch Sr opened Krisch Hall sometime around 1798 in downtown San Antonio. Krisch Hall would open as Krisch Hall and saloon. (Ref: http://txbexar.eppygen.org/Records/Re_CD_1891_K.htm)

Krisch Hall was one of the terpsichorean bright spots of San Antonio during the 18th century and 19th century. There were harvest moon dances, Thanksgiving dances and New Year's dances besides many others during the interim, all climaxed with masquerade balls around St. Valentine Day. There was any number of social clubs in the city in those days, among which may be mentioned the San Antonio Singing and Social Club, the Modocs, the Hayseeds and the Ivys. All of these had their dances during the fall and winter and picnics in the spring and summer. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-antonio-express-oct-11-1936-p-30/)

To change the routine of these outings the halls gave moonlight picnics with a hayride to and from the picnic grounds. When there was no moonlight they carried kerosene torches and called this "moonlight on the stick.”

There were no formalities whatever more than starting off on the right foot for the dance. Everybody felt perfectly at home and they mingled together like one large, happy family. They would gather at the homes of the young ladies at different times, often in the form of a surprise party, bringing their own refreshments and music, so that the house was cleared for an informal dance in the matter of a few moments.

Frank Krisch Sr shut down Krisch Hall somewhere around 1901. The old Krisch Hall was later converted into the convention hall where the late James Stephen Hogg at the state democratic convention received his first nomination for the office of governor of Texas. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/385045203/)

This convention hall is now home to Frost Bank.

Krisch Hall was located at 207 North Flores Street, San Antonio, Texas, US 78205.