Gruene, Texas

After spending a wonderful Christmas day in downtown San Antonio, we decided to spread our wings and venture outside the city. Our decision was pretty easy as we had heard a lot about the small town of Gruene (pronounced Green), Tx. Excellent a town with German heritage means German food, yum. Off we go a beautiful day, the sun is finally shining, and a new place to discover. About 40 miles later we arrive in the town with cameras in hand and bellies to be filled.

Gruene was first settled by German farmers in the mid 1840's. A German immigrant named Ernst Gruene purchased 6000 acres of farmland on the Guadeloupe River.

Beautiful Guadeloupe River

He built a house and planted the fields with cotton. Cotton being the number one cash crop at the time, brought many other German families to the area.

Original homestead built by Ernst Gruene in 1872 

The first mercantile store was built in 1878. Soon after came a cotton gin which was powered by the river.

First mercantile store built in 1878

Equipment used back in the day

The original cotton gin burned down in 1922 and was replaced by a new electric gin. Since 1977 it's been home of the Gristmill Restaurant.

The cotton gin now the Gristmill Restaurant

Since we were here anyway we decided to take a break from sightseeing. It was after lunch and my belly was talking to me. To our surprise there was NO German food on the menu so we went with ribs and fries. Check it out.

Full rack of ribs and slice fries



Continuing on but first the restroom was calling. In keeping with the town theme they were outhouses. Don't worry they had running water and flush toilets.

Ladies

Men's

As the town prospered, construction of a dance hall and saloon soon became the focal point of community social life.

Gruene Hall built in 1878

As history has it, economic destruction by the boll weevil and the depression caused many of the business to go under, but not Gruene Hall. With a 6000 square foot dance floor and a high pitched tin roof, Gruene Hall has not changed from the original layout.

A small lite rear stage

Original bench style seating

A front bar which still allows smoking 

Now on the National Register of Historic Places many of today's entertainers got their start at Gruene Hall. Names such as Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, The Dixie Chicks, George Strait and many more. Dance scenes from the movie "Michael" with John Travolta were filmed in Gruene Hall.

There are many other unique building as you walk through the town.

An original building now a pottery place

Cottage style Tea Room

Another cottage style shop

H.D. Gruene Jr's Office in 1923

This waterfall siding style was distinctive of the early 1920's architecture. HD Gruene conducted much of his cotton business in this small office.