Set in a mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler, Nathan Detroit, tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide, laments that they’ve been engaged for 14 years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson, for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown, as a result. Guys and Dolls will run July 22-24, July 28-31 and Aug. 5-7, according to Dr. Sara Harris Baker, director of the TCT production. For tickets and showtimes, visit https://templecivictheatre.com. David Stone photo

Around town

Leonard Kuppa braves the Monday morning heat and trims the property line between Knights of Columbus Hall and Sammons Golf Course. The temperature was already a sweltering 91 degrees at 10 a.m. while Leonard was working, but Monday’s temps reached 105 degrees in some parts of the city. David Stone photo

Despite heavy irrigation efforts using water from Lake Polk, Sammons Golf Course is losing its “green” to this summer’s drought. David Stone photo

City urges residents to conserve water

Despite multiple days of 100-plus temperatures and no rain in well over a month in most parts of the Temple area — plus wide-spread misinformation on social media sites — there are no mandatory water restrictions or limitations in Temple.

“At this time, there are no restrictions on water usage,” said city spokesperson Alex Gibbs. “The city could declare a water shortage if the Brazos River Authority moves to Stage 2 of its Drought Contingency Plan. Stage 2 is a drought warning — right now BRA its at Stage 1, a drought watch.”

Gibbs said a water shortage could also be declared if water-system demand exceeds a certain percentage of water-treatment capacity.

“Right now, demand is currently below these percentages,” Gibbs said. “It is important to note the city is always conserving water and it promotes year-round water conservation as part of its Drought Contingency Plan.”

Our Town Temple is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Out & about in Central Texas

Josh LaBove, half of the duo “The Blue Straggler,” prepares to perform Saturday at Dead Fish Grill. LaBove and percussionist Jeannie Morgan can be found on the Dead Fish deck most weekends playing a mix of covers and original tunes. Jason Deckman photo

Barrow Brewing Co. invited people to Salado on Saturday to create their own tie-dye designs. Purchase of a ticket included one T-shirt, all the necessary supplies and a cold refreshing beverage. Kids and parents worked together to bundle the fabric and apply several different shades of dye, before bagging the finished project to let the dye dry and set. Jason Deckman photos

Baseball was a side hustle for local businesses

DAVID STONE | July 18, 2022

Temple has had a long love affair with baseball, and it started soon after the city was born.

The earliest reports of baseball in Temple were dominated by games pitting the Blue Stockings of the Northside against the Red Stockings of the Southside. These were teams composed of Temple schoolboys living north or south of Downtown, and their games captured the fancy of the fast-growing town. Crowds would gather at makeshift fields and they would take turns “traveling across town” for their Saturday games.

In 1892, the Temple Saturday Sun weekly newspaper owned by JS Perry, OP Gresham and FA Venney organized a team. The name? The Saturday Suns, and most games were played on summer Saturdays in 1892 and 1893.

The Suns played other teams in Temple and the area, including Belton, Old Howard, Pendleton, Troy, Oenaville, Heidenheimer, Pleasant Valley, Little River and some place called Cockle Burr (there’s gotta be a story there).

Not to be outdone, the Temple Tribune newspaper formed a team in 1894 and lured the Suns’ top talent. Many of the Tribune players were Santa Fe employees and the team took on all comers.

One of the players, Virgel Garvin, caught the attention of professional scouts and soon was pitching for the Texas League team in Sherman. A short time later, Garvin was throwing fastballs on the mound for Chicago’s National League baseball team.

Was it the Cubs? Not yet. I’ll explain.

The Chicago franchise was part of the National Association in 1870 and played as the White Stockings (nope, not the White Sox, that was a totally different entity). When the National League was formed in 1876, the White Stockings became part of that organization and changed its moniker frequently. They went from the White Stockings to the Orphans, Infants, Remnants and Colts before becoming Cubs in 1907.

Perhaps the best team in early Temple was formed by Matthews Brothers Clothiers. In 1896, the fledgling Texas League was going through a financial crunch and many teams folded. Baseball was becoming a lucrative side business in Temple, and Matthews made a deal with unemployed professional ball players to come play for his store’s team.

He paid their moving expenses, provided living accommodations and gave them a bit of spending money. Up-and-coming professionals such as Tom Menefee, Browny Chamberlain, George Blackburn, Al Jacks, Patsy Cahill, Jack Holland and Biler Adrian all joined the Matthews team. They went 25-5 playing teams from San Antonio, Waco, San Angelo (that would have been quite a road trip in 1896) and Hillsboro, plus several local teams. In 30 games, the team scored 414 runs — an average of 13.8 per game. Apparently Matthews’ boys “swang some heavy lumber.”

Tuesday, July 19

• O’Pen Mic Night at O’Briens Irish Pub. 8 to midnight. O'Briens Open Mic Is Back! Every Tuesday 8 p.m. This is an acoustic open mic. We will be using our in house sound system! Come on out and let's have fun!

• Trivia Night at J Cowboy

• STEM Team at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.

• Baby Bookworms (0-12 months) at Temple Public Library. 11 a.m.

Wednesday, July 20

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.

• Trivia Night at Green Door

• Musician Open Mic Night at Corky’s Wine & Beer

• Open Mic Night at Score’s Sports Bar. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the courtyard. Poets, singers, comedians all welcome.

• Kid’s Night Movie on the Lawn at Treno’s Pizzeria & Taproom. 5 p.m.

Thursday, July 21

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Beachy Beats Open Mic at Knead Peace in Belton.  Bring on those Island Vibes and Beachy Beats! Feel free to dress the part and bring a drum, chair, hammock, picnic blanket, snacks, and cooler. Family friendly event!

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

• Pizza & Beer Pairings at FoxDog. Our friends at Bahler Street Pizza are taking over our taproom! Pizza by the slice paired with beer from our taps. The pairing will take place between 6-7 pm and will be ticketed. Then we'll open to the public from 7-9 pm and pizza will be available for purchase until sellout.

• Country Nights at El Puerto de Jalisco. Live music and great food and drinks. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Dungeons & Dragons at Temple Public Library. 5 p.m.

Friday, July 22

• Dumpling Night Workshop at Cha Community, 7 N. Main in Downtown Temple. Due to popular demand, we are hosting a second dumpling night workshop this summer! You will learn to fold, cook and eat dumplings (pork or veggie options available — no gluten-free), side dishes and take a copy of our own recipe. Fun discussion about community/food, and enjoy our drinks! 6:30 to 8 p.m. $48 per person or $90 for parties of two. Order tickets online at: https://tinyurl.com/templedumplingnight

• A new Parkinson's support group is forming for Bell County area residents. The first BAPS meeting will be in the Wilson Room at the Sammons Community Center. We focus on learning from one another. On Thursday, July 28, you can join in a Webinar from the meeting room at Garden Estates of Temple from 2:30 until 5:00 PM. We'll join with the large Georgetown GAPS support group to learn about physical, occupational, and speech therapies for those with Parkinson's. Call or text Gayle Shull at 254.718.4197 for more information.

• 4-Hour Temple Brew Trail Tour with Tour Temple. 6-10 p.m.

• Karaoke at Corky’s Beer & Wine. 8-11 p.m.

• Chess Club at Temple Public Library. 4-6 p.m.

• Summer Sounds Free Concert at Santa Fe Plaza. Hair Metal Giants. 7:30 p.m

• Martian Folk live at Barrow Brewing Co. 8 p.m.

• Dementia/Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group: Occurs weekly on Fridays. This group allows your loved ones to join us.  Loved ones will be doing activities while the group of caregivers are joining together to better understand and learn tips and tricks for daily life. 

• Notoriously PG-13 Backyard Comedy Show at FoxDog. 8 p.m. Join us for a fun night of comedy in the beer garden at FoxDog! Host Alex Cunningham and features Tania Morales, James Garibay, Justin Moreno, and Connor King II are guaranteed to make you laugh. You won't want to miss it! This is a free, outdoor event

Saturday, July 23

• Brandon Rhyder live and acoustic at Cyclone Corral BBQ. $10.

• Temple Historic Homes Tour with Tour Temple. 2-4 p.m.

• 4-Hour Temple Wine Trail Tour with Tour Temple. 3-7 p.m.

• Retro Party Name That Tune Bingo at Fire Base Brewing. 7:30 p.m. We're rewinding it back to the 80s, 90s & 00s! Lets see your best 80s & 90s outfits that you kept in your closet all these years! Special props to those who are feeling the vibes. $2 gets you started at 4 chances at drinks, prizes & brewery swag! Family friendly! Seats are first come first served so get here early.

• Comedy Showcase at Corky’s Beer & Wine. 8-10 p.m.

• Salado Legends, Tablerock Theatre. Salado Legends, is an outdoor musical written by Salado resident playwright Jackie Mills. It was chosen by the Library of Congress to serve as a record of life in America during the 1850’s and “to preserve our nation’s diverse cultural traditions for generations of Americans, present, and future. Meal: 7:15. Show, 8:15. Tickets: centraltexastickets.org

• Christmas in July at FoxDog Beer Garden. Because December shouldn’t have all the fun! 11 a.m.

• Maxx Carter live at Barrow Brewing. 8 p.m.

• Sip & Shop at Ras Kitchen. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Historic Tour of Homes sponsored by Corky's and Tour Temple. Details and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/306466829537

Sunday, July 24

• Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.

Our Complete Events Calendar