Hermann Sons Home for the Aged
Comfort, Kerr County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A fraternal group originally for persons of German descent, the Sons of Hermann grew rapidly after the founding of the first Texas lodge in 1860-61. At a meeting in Austin in 1913, members voted to establish a home for the aged, to be called "Altenheim". This was one of the first homes for the aged started by a fraternal group in Texas. The citizens of Comfort raised $7,000 to buy this 202-acre tract for the facility. Lodge members from around the state contributed funds for the construction of a limestone building in 1915-16. (1979)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Sons of Hermann, a fraternal order founded for people of German descent, spread quickly after its first Texas lodge appeared in 1860-61. In 1913 members voted to build a home for the aged, and the citizens of Comfort raised $7,000 to buy this 202-acre tract for it. Lodge members statewide funded the limestone building raised here in 1915-16, one of the first fraternal old-age homes in Texas.
Why it matters
It reflects how immigrant fraternal societies built their own social safety nets, caring for their elders long before public programs existed.
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Themes & tags
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