Polka Museum Honors Schroeder Family

The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum (PLCTM) in La Grange honored the family of Leland and Alice Schroeder at a celebration on Sunday, Dec. 18.

Leland and Alice Schroeder, who were big fans of polka music, died in 2020. Their children recently presented the PLCTM with a monetary donation and several artifacts including records and video tapes that belonged to their parents.

Their son Stevan Schroeder spoke at the event about how his parents taught him and his siblings how to polka dance even before they could walk. Joy, he said, is the essence of polka music.

“I’ve never seen anyone with a frown dancing to polka music,” he said. “In today’s world, there are so many things that are concerning. But polka music, the essence of it, is something we want to continue.”

Gary Bucek, PLCTM president, said the museum has some big plans for 2023. Bucek said the museum is in discussions with an artist to paint a mural depicting polka music on the side of the museum’s Monsignor Joseph M. Hybner Center on the grounds of the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center adjacent to the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

“It’ll be something everyone sees when they drive down Fairgrounds Rd.,” Bucek said.

In addition, Bucek said the museum is investigating ways to harness technology to offer virtual and self-guided tours.

“We want to take this facility to the next level,” Bucek said. “Our goal for 2023 is to get the word out about the museum.

To learn more about the museum, visit their new website at plctm.com.