Sons of Hermann Society German immigrants who migrated from New York City started the Sons of Hermann Society on July 6, 1861. By 1848, there were six Sons of Hermann Groups with 800 members in the United States. In 1861 two representatives of the national grand lodge came to San Antonio to organize the first Hermann Sons' lodge in Texas, the Harmonia Lodge No.1. By 1890 seven other lodges were formed in Texas, which had a total of 242 members. Within a year 92 more lodges were formed. In 1920 the first mixed lodge for both men and women was established in San Antonio. By 1994 membership was open to all ethnic groups instead of just Germans or people of German descent. The business is still in operation today. It was the largest fraternal insurance benefit society to youth and senior citizens, along with summer youth camps, bowling tournaments, and offers of scholarship opportunities. The Building is located on 515 South St. Mary's Street. Bibliography:   The Handbook of Texas Online: Sons of Hermann