The Debrecen Casino first opened in 1833. Its objectives were pointed out in the first point of the Articles of Association: 'The aims of this Casino Association is dissemination of useful reading tastes and through better socialisation and the promotion of national diligence'.

Kálmán Thaly was one of the most influential figures of late 19th century. He spent most of his life in Bratislava and Budapest. He was among the founders of The Hungarian Historical Society, and also the periodical Centuries.

Guba (wool coat) making masters of Debrecen were known nationwide for their quality coats made of long black wool. The cloth dumps were made of long fur sheep held in the plains of the Hortobágy. Clusters were woven into the wool fabric during, making the coat look like as if it was fur.