HISTORY OF THE HALL

CEDAR CREEK SCHUETZEN VEREIN

First known as Cedar Creek Schuetzen Verein,

-which translates to rifle, or shooting hall- Carmine Hall was formed to promote music and other fine arts. Nestled on donated land from Dr. Benjamin Thigpen, The Hall formed as a corporation and was chartered with the State of Texas on September 8th, 1916. The town was originally called Sylvan, Carmine, Texas was renamed after the first postmaster, Norman Carmean in 1892.

In 1890, Mrs. H.E. Blanchette organized the local Carmine Dramatic Club within the Hall. In addition to providing the town with entertainment, the plays the club put on raised money for various civic needs. The club was able to raise enough money to purchase a fire pump, install a public drinking fountain and also contribute to the Red Cross. The Club disbanded in 1930 as an official organization but performances continued at the Hall by a group known as the Dramatic Talent of Carmine. Unfortunately the group disbanded only a few years later.

Carmine Hall was originally men only, contained a bowling alley and required a membership fee. With time came progress and women where soon able to join. Eventually the membership fee faded as well as some of its members. Volunteers remain around 50-60 people to date. Carmine Hall is always looking for younger generations to get involved.

Carmine Hall is run by a board of directors with four annual fundraisers to help maintain the facilities. In 2009 a Scholarship Fund was formed to help aid local students. Over $25,000 in donations have been gifted to select Carmine high school seniors. The Hall is also used by the Carmine Chamber of Commerce, the local Church, Fire Department, the City & local schools free of charge as an outreach service.

Today, Carmine Hall is officially a 501c3. That means any donation that is made to the hall is tax deductible and goes towards the upkeep and renovation of our historical landmark.