The Staffel Casino Club was San Antonio's first social club and theater. It originated in 1854 and closed some 69 years later. The club first started as meetings between twenty Germans, who gathered for conversation and sociability, in the home of Carl Hummel. The casino was built on Market Street and formally opened in 1858. Families came for entertainment, music, activities, lectures, plays, and leading actors. The casino was supported and sponsored by stock companies. Such events as the Kinderball, the Maskenball and the New Year's Eve Ball, were favorite seasonal celebrations. At the New Year's Eve Ball, fathers introduced their daughters to society, which was the first "coming out" parties. Famous commissioned army officers such as General Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant also appeared on the guest list. The club was sold in 1923 and in 1946 the organization was exclusively a man's club. The club's reputation as a social center was famous for its old German flavor and European traditions.

       The Finch Cigar Company was a cigar company that was started by Henry William Finch, the founder, went to New York City to learn the trade. It was built on Government Hill near Fort Sam Houston. The Entire Finch family helped run the business. It started in 1893 and is still in business. They were the largest Cigar Factory west of the Mississippi River. They held fund raising that helped project to build a health clinic in San Antonio.

       The First City Fire Station was built in the middle of downtown. It was started by Ben Milam and A.A. Lockwood in 1854. It was a volunteer first station that lasted until 1891. Then professional unit overtook. It helped fight fired and save many buildings.

1. When did the Staffel Casino Club originated in? How many years later did it close?
       - It originated in 1854; closed some 69 years later.
2. How did the club first start? Where did it first start?
       - It first started as meetings between 20 Germans; in the home of Carl Hummel.
3. Why did families go to the Casino Club?
       - for entertainment, music, activities, lectures, plays, and leading actors.
4. What were some of the favorite seasonal celebrations?
       - Kinderball, the Maskenball, and the New Year's Eve Ball.
5. Name two famous people that appeared on the guest list.
       - General Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant.
6. What happened in the years of 1923 and 1946? (dealing with the Casino Club)
       - The club was sold in 1923 and in 1946 the club became a strictly men's club only.
7. Who started the Finch Cigar Company? Where did the founder go to learn the trade?
       - Henry William Finch was the founder; he went to New York City to learn.
8. Where was it built? What is that near?
       - It was built on Government Hill; near Fort Sam Houston.
9. When did it start? Is it still in business?
       - It started in 1893; yes it is still in business.
10. What was the fund raising supposed to help?
       - was to help project to build a health clinic in San Antonio.
11. Where was the First City Fire Station built?
       - It was built in the middle of downtown.
12. Who started it? When did they start it?
       - Ben Milam and A.A. Lockwood; 1854.
13. How long was the volunteer fire station last?
       - until 1891.