Club Victoria is the largest indoor community center in Menard, often used for public civic and charitable events, the most recent of which was the Hunter’s Blowout in November. It is also well-known in the western Hill Country area as a popular dancehall, featuring Tejano music through the years and fostering the early careers of numerous now-famous Tejano musicians, singers and songwriters.

The Club Victoria has a 68-year history, but few people know why it was formed, or the men and women who took an idea and made it a reality, those who kept it alive and the ones who continue its mission today. This is their story.

Relatively little history of Hispanic organizations and few personal stories have been recorded, so the subject is difficult to research. The way to learn is to hear directly from the people involved, so I am grateful to those who shared their personal recollections with me: Robert “Trini” Gonzales and his wife, Renee; Roberto Morales, Sr. and his wife Margarita; Robert Morales, Jr.; Butch Aguilar and his wife, Margaret; Richard Hernandez and his wife, Eva; Sam Lara; Buddy Garza; Amadeo Morales and Alfonso Perez, Sr.

It is to be noted that scores of men and women were responsible for the Club Victoria’s success. Those I interviewed mentioned countless names and events, but it is impossible to print them all here. Although I regret any names being omitted, it is clear that those who contributed through the years did so without thought for personal recognition or gain.

Robert Jr., who grew up in Menard and now lives in Del Rio, gave a presentation at the First Annual Tejano Ball last July. His uncle, Amadeo, was one of the primary sources of information for his moving speech, which recounted major milestones of the Club Victoria and recognized many of its leaders.

According to Robert Jr.’s chronology, in 1943, the late Rodolfo Bermea had the original idea to have individual homecoming celebrations for Hispanic sold ...

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