[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE GALVAN BALLROOM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2016

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Galvan Ballroom in 
Corpus Christi, Texas, which recently received the Texas Treasure 
Business Award.
   The Texas Historical Commission, an organization authorized by the 
Texas State Legislature, honored the Galvan Ballroom with the Texas 
Treasure Business Award, as a business that has been in operation and 
has provided employment opportunities and support to the state's 
economy for over 50 years. This award, created in 2005 by Senate Bill 
920, pays tribute to the state's well-established businesses and their 
exceptional historical contributions toward the economic growth and 
prosperity of the State of Texas. The Galvan Ballroom, located in the 
heart of Corpus Christi at 1632 Agnes St., opened its doors on March 2, 
1950. The Galvan Ballroom was established by Corpus Christi police 
officer, entrepreneur, and musician Rafael Galvan, Sr. Mr. Galvan 
sought to open a venue for the Galvan Orchestra, a fifteen-piece 
ensemble featuring his four sons: Ralph, Eddie, Sammy, and Bobby.
   The Galvan Ballroom earned its reputation as the place in Corpus 
Christi to visit for big band, swing, and jazz music. Due to its large 
size, the venue hosted national acts. The large dance hall, which 
featured a custom-made revolving chandelier with four spotlights, was a 
popular location for dances and other events. South Texans will recall 
that the Galvan Ballroom was fully booked with events nearly every 
night. On Saturday nights, the ballroom hosted functions for private 
clubs and community events, including student dances, church events, 
and the annual policeman's ball. On Sundays, the ballroom opened to the 
public for dancing and music, including performances by Duke Ellington, 
Count Basie, and Chester ``Chet'' Rupe. During the time of segregation, 
The Galvan Ballroom played a major role in the social and cultural 
development of Corpus Christi. The venue promoted integration of the 
Hispanic and Anglo-American communities through diverse musical acts, 
which included African-American groups.
   The Galvan Ballroom continues to be a musical landmark in Corpus 
Christi. Today, the ballroom hosts weddings, quinceaneras and other 
events. On the first floor is the headquarters of the Galvan Music 
Company. Eddie Galvan, a member of the original Galvan Orchestra, was 
inducted into the South Texas Region XIV Band Directors Hall of Fame, 
and the South Texas Music Walk of Fame has also honored members of the 
Galvan family.
   In 2015, the Galvan Ballroom was added to the National Register of 
Historic Places and was designated as a Texas Hispanic Heritage site. 
Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating the Galvan Ballroom 
upon receiving the Texas Treasure Business Award, and wish them many 
more years of continued contributions to the Coastal Bend area.

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