Menard’s Hispanic community founded Club Victoria in 1943 to honor Hispanic veterans returning from World War II battlefields in Europe. Initially holding events in public parks and private homes, Club Victoria members constructed their own building in 1967, in which Club Victoria members continue to honor Menard veterans and host community social events. Club Victoria is a go-to place for great T
ejano music these days, and usually its crowd reflects all cultures and ethnicities. Its popularity extends far beyond Menard… Everybody in the area knows where it is. But long before the current location opened its doors in 1967, Club Victoria existed… all over town. Back in 1943, Menard’s fighting sons began returning home from the war. And while Menard was a peaceful community, it was segregated like all of Texas—with Hispanics facing discrimination in almost all aspects of life. One resident of Menard observed, “The young soldiers of all races were fighting together….and when the Anglos returned, they were embraced by the community. But there was very little celebration for the Hispanic boys.”
One Hispanic community leader Rodolfo Bermea made the same observation and decided to do something about it… with the help of his friends. Together they created individual homecoming celebrations for every Hispanic soldier. Since each party would mark the victory of a soldier’s return, they named their organization Victory Club—or Club Victoria. At first the parties took place at various locations throughout town. However, Jack Wilensky—the Jewish owner of a dry goods store downtown—knew the pain of discrimination, so he offered the hall above his store to the group. Club Victoria’s events became the stuff of legend… ultimately bringing the whole community together to enjoy music, food, and to celebrate the victory of survival…
…a tradition that continues to this day.