- Bob Ellefson
- Chateau Band
- Talisman Band
- The Ride
- Faith in the Believers
- Vanishing Americans
- The Pilgrims
- Ma's Boys
- Myron Lee & the Caddies (1961)
- Pandora's Box (1970-1974)
- Young Americans (All Indian Band)
- Tension's
- Six Fat Dutchman
- Art Hohn's Accordion Band
- The Weber Band
- The Good Time's Band
- Rude Awakening
- XTD Band
The Dance Hall, however, was not always filled with the sound of music, conversation, and laughter. At one time, it was known as Dimock State Bank. According to Pauline Neugebauer Misterek's book, "Memories of a Pioneer Daughter", "The bank closed its doors in the late twenties or thirties."
The Dance Hall has changed hands several times since the closing of the bank. Most of you remember it as "Vic's Place". Vic's Place was purchased by Vic and Hilda Weber in 1957. Upon purchasing their new business, the Webers' decided they would give the bar business a chance for 3 years. It involved a lot of long hours and dedication to make it a such a success, but in the end it was time very well spent.
The Webers' purchased a Food license and On & Off Sale Liquor license. Then bands began performing as often as 2 or 3 times a week. On several occasions, as many as 400 people or more would come to enjoy the music. Starting out 2 security guards were hired, and eventually they had to have as many as 5 present on a dance night.
Numerous bands entertained the crowds. Bands were booked through the Jim Thomas Booking Agency from Lake Benton, Minnesota.
Some of the more
popular bands included:
After 23 years of hard work, the Weber's decided to sell Vic's Place. It was then purchased by Don Sudbeck in the Fall of 1981, and became known as Don's Place. The business continued successfully for many years.
In June of 1992,
the bar changed hands once more.
It was purchased by Javern and Anna Mae
Hofer, and is currently known as Hofer's Lounge. Business continued
as usual. Dances were still held. Bands popular in this time
period included:
In June of 1995, a fire caused much damage to the dance hall area, roof, and kitchen. Not to mention, much smoke damage throughout the building. According to inspectors, the fire started due to a smoldering cigarette, beneath the floor boards of the dance hall. In spite of the damage, the Hofers, repaired the roof, side wall, and kitchen area, and continued their business as always.
The Hofer's also began a new tradition in the restaurant business, they added steaks, prime rib, and broasted chicken dinners to their menu. Due to the increasing number of customers coming in - the Hofer's decided to remodel one more time in March of 1998. They have put on an addition to the north which extends as far over as the Post Office. This has increased their dining area and added new bathrooms to their list of changes.. Also, they have replaced the walk in cooler with a new, larger one, and increased the size of the kitchen by more than double.
The changes in the Dance Hall have been many over the past sixty years, but they have all added to the success of this little business and town.
