DAVID STONE | July 18, 2022

A new movie about a former Temple resident who became a Texas legend is nearing completion and could premiere at film festivals in 2023.

The movie — The Man with the Big Hat — will focus on the life of Steven Fromholz, a singer-songwriter and whitewater rafting guide who was named Poet Laureate of Texas for 2007.

Fromholz was born in Temple on June 8, 1945, and he spent his early childhood here.

He was at the forefront of Texas’ outlaw-country music era in the 1970s and collaborated on songs and albums with the likes of Willie Nelson, Red Rhodes, John Sebastian, BW Stevenson and the Lost Gonzo Band, which featured another former Temple resident in lead guitarist John Inmon.

Austin Sayre, a filmmaker from Austin, began working on the Fromholz project in 2019.

“I’m originally from Indiana, but I moved to Austin years ago,” Sayre said. “I’ve always loved music, but I fell in love with Texas music and started collecting records. I stumbled across an album by Frummox, a band headed by Steven Fromholz and Dan McCrimmon. They recorded their first LP in 1969, and it was known for The Texas Trilogy, a set of three songs on Side B of the album.”

“The more I gravitated toward Steven, the more I wanted to know about him,” Sayre said. “I decided there was a story to tell — he was so much more than just a talented musician.”

The movie has not been without delays. Soon after starting the project, Sayre took a tumble and broke his pelvis.

“That slowed things down a bit,” he said. “But we got started. The first shoot was in Terlingua and I was in a wheelchair. Then COVID hit, so I just focused on research until we could get going again.”

Today, Sayre’s movie is 99 percent complete.

“We’re shooting the last scene in Colorado at the end of July,” he said. “We will do some editing, then we will apply to film festivals. SXSW and Sundance would be ideal. Louis Black, one of the co-founders of SXSW is a big fan of Steven. With it being in Austin, it would be a very fitting debut.”

Sayre admits that the editing process could take up to a year.

“Austin is a documentary-rich town,” he said. “There are a lot of editors, but the really good ones are in high demand.”

Once completed, The Man with the Big Hat will be around 90 minutes long. Sayre hopes to get the movie into theaters and online services such as Netflix and Hulu.

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Fromholz first huge hit was Have to be Crazy, a duet he recorded with Willie Nelson that became a Top 10 country hit in 1976. Two years later, Nelson returned the favor by releasing Steven’s Jus’ Playing’ Along on his Lone Star Label.

Over the years, Steven wrote songs that were recorded by Hoyt Axton, John Denver and Jerry Jeff Walker. He later released several albums on his own label, Felicity, named after one of his two daughters.

Fromholz appeared in numerous movies including Outlaw Blues and Cloak and Dagger, and he co-starred in the thriller Positive ID.

He worked extensively in theatre including starring roles in The Night Hank Williams Died, Woody Guthrie’s American Dream, Sweeny Todd, A Little Night Music, Fiddler on the Roof and Bosque County, Texas — a stage play he co-authored with Don Toner based on his epic song The Texas Trilogy.

Fromholz was often invited to speak to college groups and poetry societies, not only about The Texas Trilogy but other examples of his history-oriented writing, such as Man With The Big Hat and Last Living Outlaw.

In the 1980s, Steven began entertaining on rafting trips in the Big Bend area of Texas, subsequently becoming a river guide, white-water expert, First Responder and EMT. He “ran the Grande” (Colorado River/Grand Canyon) in 2000, which is the ultimate accomplishment for white-water guides, and in 2005 Paddler Magazine voted him one of the 10 Best River Guides in America.

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Despite his many accomplishments outdoors, Felicity Fromholz said her dad didn’t always possess these skills.

“He couldn’t cook or do a lot of outdoor things,” said Felicity, a part-time sociology professor at Temple College.

“Mom sent him to Outward Bound school in the Canadian boundary waters where he learned adventure and survival skills, and he came back a changed man.”

“Soon, he was involved with Far Flug Adventures,” Felicity said. “He would do rafting trips and music — we spent a lot of time on Texas rivers.”

“Dad also became a regular Mr. Mom,” she said. “He worked nights with his music, so we were together during the day. He got me up, did the grocery shopping and took me to my basketball games. He was on the road a lot, but when he was home he was present and accounted for.”

“I played basketball at Crockett High School in Austin, and Jerry Jeff Walker had a daughter named Jessie who played at Austin High,” she said. “Both dads rarely missed a game, and when we played against each other, there were always huge crowds.”

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Steven was inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame in March 2003 — and suffered a massive stroke less than 30 days later. After a three-year recuperative period, during which time he again learned to walk, talk, play guitar and  sing — and literally re-invented himself — he returned to writing music, poetry and entertaining publicly.

Exactly four years to the very day after the stroke, he stood in the State Capitol of Texas Chambers and was named Poet Laureate.

During his Poet Laureate tenure he travelled the state and visited schools.

“Dad loved going to the schools and talking to students,” Felicity said. “He would talk about music, poetry and life. Being Poet Laureate was a wonderful tip-of-the-hat to his career. He loved to impart his wisdom to kids.”

Steven’s life was full of high moments, but family was his first love.

“Having two daughters — Darcie and myself — were the highlights of his life,” Felicity said. “But he loved music and he loved to perform. After a show, he would talk to the people for hours. He touched so many people through his songs and his spirit.”

“One of Dad’s favorite things to do was to sit at the dining room table with an old acoustic guitar and hand-write songs,” she said. “He had the handwriting of a serial killer — I was always amazed he could read what he wrote.”

Steven Fromholz died Jan. 14, 2014, after an accident with a firearm. He was preparing to investigate a feral hog infestation that had been menacing the goat population in Schleicher County. The accident occurred at Flying B Ranch south of San Angelo.

For more information about the movie or Steven Fromholz, CLICK HERE

This performance was recorded at Farm Aid in 1986 in Manor. The concert was organized by John Cougar Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and Steppenwolf. About a dozen high-profile bands performed, and hundreds of Bell County music fans were there. Here’s some trivia from that concert: It was July, and it was hot. Free water was given away in a packaging product no one had ever seen. Yes, it had a little straw, and within months it would be known as the Juice Box, but it debuted at the old horse track in Manor, Texas, full of water.

The Selfless Lovers

If you start humming along when "Some Kind of Wonderful" comes on the radio, then you are already a fan of The Selfless Lovers — you just don't know it yet.  The Selfless Lovers bring a soul sound to their original tunes, recalling your favorite classic rock vibe, with a lot of added groove and energy. The band consists of frontman Nik Parr on vocals, piano and saxophone; lead guitarist Keegan Flynn; and the rhythm section of Evan Durr on bass and drummer Daniel Warner. The band is based in Austin and performs all over Texas. They recently performed at Barrow Brewing Company’s six-year anniversary. Their latest album, "When The Bars Close," was released in 2021 and is available at their shows or online at www.nikparr.com. Jason Deckman photo

Nik Parr gets into the performance at Lions Park on Friday. The show was part of Temple's Hot Summer Sounds concert series.  Jason Deckman photo

In 1931, a new business opened on East Adams Avenue that delighted Temple residents of all ages — Bluebonnet Ice Cream.

The plant was built by Volney Reed in a modern, “fire proof” building with some of the most up-to-date equipment in the ice cream industry.

According to news reports of the day, the plant had pasteurizing equipment, state-of-the-art scales and testing devices, and separate rooms for freezing, hardening and storing the delicate product.

When operating at full capacity, Bluebonnet could produce 10 gallons of ice cream every eight minutes!  Today’s Blue Bell folks might chuckle at those numbers, but I’m sure that satisfied many Temple residents.

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How many students were in Temple High School’s first graduation class?

In 1890, Temple held its first graduation ceremony and three students received diplomas. Graduating were Alice Robbins, Kate Sloan and Ray Willcox.

The next year, four students graduated and by 1894 there were 13.

On this day in 1878, Sam Bass was mortally wounded when he and his gang of outlaws tried to rob the bank in Round Rock. The Texas Rangers were waiting for them. The next day Bass was found lying in a field outside of town. He was brought back to Round Rock, where he died two days later. Bass, an Indiana native, had worked in a sawmill, as a cowboy, and as a freighter. He also owned a fast racehorse. After squandering money earned on a trail drive, he recruited a gang and began robbing stagecoaches and railroads. He died at the age of 27.

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On this day in 1843, President Sam Houston relieved Commodore Edwin Moore of command of the Texas Navy. Moore had clashed with Houston over the navy's activities in support of Mexican rebels in the Yucatán. Houston proclaimed the navy to be pirates and requested any friendly country to capture the navy's ships and return them to Galveston. Before this could happen, Moore returned voluntarily to Galveston, whereupon Houston dishonorably discharged him without so much as a court-martial. Moore appealed to the Congress of the Republic of Texas and finally got a fair trial in August 1844, in which he was found not guilty. In November 1843 the entire fleet was put up for auction, though the people of Galveston, incensed at the thought of selling the navy, prevented the submission of bids. Nevertheless, Moore's July cruise marked the end of the operative career of the Texas Navy.

¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues

“Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues” will be on exhibit at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum from July 9 until Oct. 8.

Monday, July 18

• Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bag. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403. 

• Short Story Reading Group at Temple Public Library. 6 p.m.

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. 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.

• Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

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

• Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• PreSchool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 11:15 a.m.

• School Age Story Time (K-3rd grade) at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.

• 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.

• 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.

• Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.

• PreSchool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 11:15 a.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.

• Ghost Hunting Class at Wilson Recreation Center. Do you have an interest in the paranormal? Ever wonder what it's like to be a real ghost hunter? Try our Paranormal Studies class with paranormal investigator JohnJohn from Dark Explorers paranormal and learn all there is about becoming a paranormal investigator. Join us for this introductory class. 5:30 p.m. to. 7 p.m. $35 per person.

• 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.