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The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum, located at 275 W. Fairgrounds Rd., La Grange, Texas within the Czech Village, experienced a successful second annual “Happy Music for Happy People” Open House and Event. Over one hundred area residents and visitors from as far as Nebraska toured the museum The event was held in conjunction with the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center’s (TCHCC) Slavnost “May Fest” celebration which was also a big success.
The main attraction of the day were presentations regarding The Msgr. Joseph M. Hybner and his Exhibit in the Museum’s Center by Past President, Willie V. Bohuslav and Mark Hybner, nephew of the Monsignor. The exhibit features his path of ministry from a young man to his priesthood until his retirement as a Monsignor. Both gentlemen reflected, with much humor and reverence, the antics and forgiveness this gentle giant gave to everyone with whom he came in contact. Everyone loved him!
Father Joe served as a priest for 56 years and was a generous contributor in all fundraising campaigns for the museum. His involvement in polka music and his generous contributions to the Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum continued. He was a member of the Polka Lovers Klub of America Po.L.K. of A. Texas Chapter III-Dance Klub, and an active participant in the Klub’s float program. He always wore his red vest to match the Klub’s red and white uniforms.
Father Hybner retired in 2012, died November 23, 2019 at the age of 83. He is buried in the Saints Cyril and Methodist Catholic Cemetery in Shiner, Texas, Lavaca County, Texas, Plot 2-B-19-1.
A big Thank you to the Czech Center Museum Houston who was represented by staff members Johanna Dickerson, Karlin Logo, and Sheree Wagner. They were cheerfully and creatively making Mayfest Headbands in an exterior exhibit tent for their museum. These colorful and festive headbands are made of flowers, leaves, branches and ribbon streamers. Perfect for this ceremonial event.
The Czech Center Museum Houston provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, art, music, stories, and lives of Czechs, Slovaks and people of all cultures who left their country to seek liberty and democracy in America. The CCMH shares Czech culture and experiences to create connections, generate dialogue, and inspire new perspectives. The Czech Center Museum Houston is located at 4920 San Jacinto St, Houston, Texas 77004.
An additional delight was the attendance of the King and Queen of The Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Division, C. W. “Chris” and Doris Benson.
Wine, beer and snacks are a mainstay to all who attend and tour the museum.
The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum is located at 275 W. Fairgrounds Rd., La Grange, Texas with a mission to preserve, promote and educate polka music and dance. For more information go to plctm.com.
