A fraternal group originally for persons of German descent, the Sons of Hermann grew rapidly after the founding of the first Texas lodge in 1860-61. At a meeting in Austin in 1913, members voted to establish a home for the aged, to be called "Altenheim". This was one of the first homes for the aged started by a fraternal group in Texas. The citizens of Comfort raised $7,000 to buy this 202-acre tract for the facility. Lodge members from around the state contributed funds for the construction of a limestone building in 1915-16. (1979)