Volunteers Revitalize Dickman Hall as Search Begins for Historic Photos of Upstairs Ballroom

As volunteers continue working to brighten and restore the upstairs ballroom of historic Dickman Hall, the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street (MoMS) planning committee is calling on the community for help in recovering pieces of the building’s past. The committee is seeking photographs, stories, and personal recollections to help reconstruct a timeline of how the ballroom once looked and how it was used throughout its long and storied life.

Dickman Hall—listed as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and part of the National Register of Historic Places—has stood as a community treasure since 1939. With fundraising, volunteer labor, and a bit of luck, the MoMS committee hopes to feature the restored second-floor ballroom as the primary host site for the Smithsonian traveling exhibit scheduled to arrive in Kinney County November 21, 2026, and remain through January 3, 2027.

Despite its prominence, very few photographs of the upstairs ballroom survive today. Much of its story lives only in the memories of those who danced, celebrated, or gathered within its once-bustling walls. The building served as the officers’ club for the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 112th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Cavalry Regiment, and the 2nd Cavalry Division. Historical Marker Database contributor William F. Haenn notes that Dickman Hall was originally decorated in an elegant Art Deco style. Known simply as “The Club,” it was considered the pride of the officer corps and a hub of social life at Fort Clark. The airy second-floor ballroom—with its hardwood dance floor—hosted countless parties, receptions, and military gatherings.

Over the decades, the building evolved, later serving as a guest ranch headquarters and eventually as a restaurant and lounge for the Fort Clark Springs Association. It accumulated generations of community memories along the way. Today, while the downstairs bar remains a lively gathering place, the upstairs ballroom has been largely unused—its beauty fading but far from lost.

In recent months, a dedicated group of volunteers has returned new life to the long-quiet space. Much of the faux wood paneling has been removed, thousands of tiny nails and staples pulled, glue and cracked paint scraped away, and extensive patching completed. Volunteers have already cleaned most of the walls and applied two coats of primer to the large perimeter plaster walls. “A fresh coat of paint will do a great deal to brighten up the space,” volunteers say, noting that the goal is to make the ballroom functional again—not only for the Smithsonian exhibit, but also for future Brackett ISD proms, weddings, parties, and community events. 

Progress has moved steadily despite holiday scheduling challenges and the need for professional assessments and quotes for any systems requiring attention. The committee is also compiling a comprehensive timeline of the building’s usage, construction changes, and stylistic updates over the past eight decades.

To better understand the ballroom’s past—and guide the restoration—the MoMS committee is seeking contributions from the public. Anyone with old photographs of the upstairs space, written memories, stories, or descriptions of events held there is encouraged to share them. “If you have memories or photos to contribute, please email annabell@kinneycountypost.com,” the committee said. “Together, we can help ensure this special piece of Fort Clark history is remembered and celebrated.”

The restoration effort is ongoing, and the committee is inviting community members to participate in upcoming workdays. “This historic treasure has served our community for decades—now it’s our turn to give back. Join us and be part of the effort to restore this iconic space,” organizers said. Updates on the Smithsonian exhibit and restoration progress will continue to be shared with the public in the months ahead.