Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Somewhat religious history behind St. Albert’s Hall in San Antonio, Texas explored.

St. Albert’s Hall was established around 1827 at the corner of Centre Street and Indianola Street near downtown. St. Albert’s Hall was located at the corner of Centre Street and Indianola Street. St. Michael’s Polish Catholic Church was responsible for running and operating St. Albert’s Hall. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-antonio-daily-light-feb-16-1890-p-3/)



[Saturday night a pleasant literary entertainment and ball took place at St. Albert’s hall, corner Centre and Indianola streets, which was well attended. A dance followed the earlier programme and was very much enjoyed. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Pollok, Mr. and Mrs. John Danish, Mr. and Mrs. Win. Dobrowolski, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Dobrowolski, Mr. and Mrs. J. Burda, Mr. and Mrs. Val. Gorrell, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Eckenroth, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Morawecz, Mr. and Mrs. Ad. Pobukowski; Miss B. P. Muench, Miss K. T. Muench, Miss H. Kissling, Miss Anna Pollok]

The history of St. Albert’s Hall is embedded with rich Polish history as much of this Catholic congregation was composed of Polish emigrants. St. Albert’s Society often held meetings in St. Albert’s Hall. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth430305/m1/43/zoom/?q=albert%27s&resolution=4&lat=6014.000000000001&lon=2560.9999999999986)


The Polish Young Men’s Union had strong ties and connections to St. Albert’s Hall. The Polish Young Men’s Union was highly influential among the Polish congregation of St. Michael’s Polish Catholic Church and St. Albert’s Hall.

“The Polish Young Men’s union will hold their usual monthly meeting tonight in St. Albert’s hall and the installation of the recently elected officers will take place as well as the final arrangements for their coming inaugural ball on the 13th of October.”


1898 was the year St. Albert’s Hall was enlarged to double its capacity with help from The Polish Young Men’s Union. “The Polish Young Men’s Union, at its last meeting decided to enlarge St. Albert’s hall to double Its present capacity.” (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-antonio-daily-light-dec-09-1898-p-4/)

The Catholic Knights of America - St. Michael's Branch No. 887 would meet every second and fourth on Wednesdays at  St. Albert's Hall during the early part of the 20th century. “Catholic Knights of America, St Michael's Branch No 887—Meets second and fourth Wednesdays at St Albert's Hall.” (Ref: http://www.texashistoryarchives.com/bexar-county/san-antonio-churches-1903?page=0,1)

St. Albert’s Hall was razed after an urban renewal plan enacted by the City of San Antonio around 1967 to make way for HemisFair.

St. Albert's Hall was located at Centre Street and Indianola Street, San Antonio, Texas, US.

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