Scholz Garten

Opening its doors in 1866 as a saloon, Scholz Garten has continuously served five generations of Texas legislators, writers, students, businessmen and dignitaries. People from all walks of life have relaxed and contributed to its atmosphere creating an Austin institution. Texas' oldest saloon was presented with a plaque by the State Historical Survey Committee in 1967, reading in part:

"...Meeting site of pioneers interested in song and social activities. Home since 1908 of Austin Saengerrunde, formed 1879. Recognized in resolution of Texas House of Representatives, 59th Legislature, adopted February 22, 1966, as a gathering place for Texans of discernment, taste, culture and erudition, epitomizing the finest traditions of magnificent German heritage in our state."

August Scholz, a German immigrant and Confederate veteran, hosted a thirsty clientele until his death in 1891, when his stepson, Theodor Reisner took over the business. Prior to his death, Scholz had sold part of his property to Edwin Lemp, who operated Lemp Brewers (today Palstaff Brewing Company) on the property. In 1909, the Austin Saengerrunde, a German singing group which had been meeting at Scholz, bought the property from Lemp. The Saengerrunde, after tearing down the old Scholz structure, proceeded to rebuild the clubhouse which differed little from the present-day Scholz Garten. The Saengerrunde has maintained ownership of the property to this day. In 1962, they leased the dining rooms and kitchen to Robert Bales, retaining exclusive control over the social hall, club rooms and bowling alley.

The Saengerrunde, which will celebrate its centennial during 1979, is Austin's oldest, registered, ethnic organization. It was founded by German and Swiss immigrants to promote cultural entertainment, especially music and singing. In 1903, some members started the Austin Symphony Orchestra and later Saengerrunde Hall was the site of Austin Simphony's first practices. The present roster of the club includes 2o "active" members who sing regularly, and 400 "passive" embers who participate in bowling and other special activities.

In 1871, a newspaper advertised Scholz' as "a rallying point for lighthearted youth and a t)lace of recreation for weary business people." The tradition continues, having been patronized by the following:

• Walter Tips, 1841-1911, conductor of Austin Saengerrunde and active financial supporter.


• Dr. Eugene Paul Schoch, 1872-1961, a prominent University of Texas professor, active in the singing group and founder of the University of Texas Longhorn Band.


• More than a few governors have frequented this tavern. James Stephen Hogg, 1851-1906, Oscar Branch Colquitt, I86I-I94O, Price Daniel, Preston Smith and John Connally. Gubernatorial candidate, John Hill, celebrated his success after the May, 1978 primaries with his campaigners at Scholz.

Upon his acquittal for murder charges in San Antonio, Ben Thompson, city marshal and legendary gunslinger, was et at the Austin train station by friends and officials. The horses leading his carriage were unhitched and he was hand-pulled to Scholz Garten for a celebration.

In 1894, a party was held honoring Father P.J, Hurth, president of St, Edwards College (later University) for being named Bishop of India by the Pope, He requested Scholz' as a gathering place and hundreds attended.

Students have always congregated at Scholz because of its proximity to the University of Texas. Until 1975, the sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited on campus. Thus, Scholz served as a "student union." Class lectures are known to have taken place beneath the live oaks. The Bored Martyrs, a select U.T. sorority, of which Lynda Bird Johnson Robb was a member, continues to meet weekly in the garden, U.T.'s football team has celebrated an undefeated season here more than once.

Authors have not neglected to record the ambience of this well-known tavern. William Sidney Porter, as editor of his weekly, the Rolling Stone, advertised Scholz Garten. William Brammer in The Gay Place," disguises it as "the dearly beloved beer and garden party" treating it as setting for the making of Texas political history. Willie Morris deals with it in North Toward Home. Several authors have selected Scholz for their autograph parties.

Scholz Garten, being located in the capital, owes its success to its proximity to . the state buildings and the University of Texas. For this reason it has become a natural gathering place occasioning the meeting of great minds.

In the resolution congratulating Scholz on its centennial in 1966, Speaker to the House, Hon. Ben Barnes, expressed the "hope that this rare institution and its storied traditions will endure for another hundred years,"