Kohouts Celebrate 45th Wedding Anniversary;Tabor Hall Memories

The Feb. 15 edition of Fraternal Herald -- an official publication of Western Fraternal Life -- reports that Lorraine and Marvin Kohout of rural Dorchester recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.

Congratulations to the Kohouts.

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The same issue of the magazine features two brief accounts of Tabor Lodge, the well-known Czech community hall just south of Dorchester.

One account about Tabor Hall, written by Clarice Sabata, goes like this: 

"Our lodge in Dorchester, Neb. had dances every weekend. The whole family went and there were no babysitters. Mom and dad danced the night away while children learned to dance by dancing with their parents or each other. The teenagers eyed each other from various groups across the floor. Babies and toddlers were bounced on the knees of babičky (grandmothers). When the young ones got tired, they were put in a special corner of the hall that had a raised platform with protective sides built up to the wall. The tots were nestled in their blankets, while grandparents sat in chairs around the platform to keep an eye on them while tapping their toes to the music. On hot summer nights, cut-outs in the wall were opened to let any breezes in.  In winter, the pot-bellied stoves were used near the baby area and dining area. At midnight, the music stopped and all the happy people went home to prepare for a workweek ahead while anticipating the next dance."

Another story about Tabor Hall comes from Darlene Musil, who wrote:

"I became a member of No. 74 in Dorchester, Neb. as an infant. My dad had an orchestra, so I was introduced to dances at an early age. As a young child, I remember running and sliding on the dance floor. ... The day I was married in July 1954, the temperature was 107. There were very few dry clothes at the Charvari dance. Even with the windows open, it was stifling.  Our 25th and 40th anniversary dances were celebrated at Tabor, so there are many memories."

Tabor Lodge was organized Oct. 8, 1899, in Pleasant Hill -- the former county seat -- located two miles east of the lodge building's current location.  Tabor Lodge Hall was constructed in 1914 and dedicated Sept. 27, 19I4.  During WWI, when Czechoslovakia became involved, Tabor Lodge organized a chapter of the Czech National Association and raised several thousand dollars to help in the war effort.  Language classes were conducted at the hall.  The hall also helped promote the Sokol movement -- gymnastics designed to create and preserve a "sleek, well-tuned body."  

At one time, Tabor Lodge held the distinction of being the largest Czech lodge in Nebraska. 

By 1934, the organization had an urgent need for more space. A large dance pavilion was added to the existing lodge -- and the renovated, expanded Tabor Hall re-opened in June 1934 with a huge dance.  Soon, Tabor Hall became known to almost everyone in the Saline County area as it hosted political functions, farm organizations, class reunions, graduations, parties, flea markets, and wedding/anniversary celebrations.

In 1981, the building received an extensive makeover and restoration.  The ceiling was lowered to provide for a more energy efficient space. The walls were adorned with advertising signs as local businesses purchased their space and provided the sign painting.

Today, 104 years after its construction, Tabor Hall is well maintained by the members of Tabor Lodge.  The building still serves as a social hub for Saline County, regardless of ethnicity or family background.  Tabor Hall is a historical gem; its importance in shaping our regional community cannot be overlooked.