The Magic Gambler
Unique automaton was used in 1880s bar to determine who was going to pay for a beer round.
Susan Chandler, executive director of the Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center, winds up the Magic Gambler device for a quick demonstration.
The vintage automaton — a creepy magician-looking guy — lifts a gold dome revealing two dice, then lowers the dome. A mechanism that works similar to the dice “popper” in the game Trouble rolls the dice when the dome closes so different numbers are showing when it opens again.
Chandler said the device was donated to the museum by Robert Stavinoha of Temple.
Ancestors of the donor visited the museum recently and Robert Stavinoha’s great-granddaughter, Anne Cowan, taught family members about the Magic Gambler’s role in their history.
According to Cowan, Stavinoha owned a store and there was a room in the store where he sold beer. The Magic Gambler was used in the little bar in the 1880s to determine who was going to pay for a beer.
Robert Stavinoha’s sons — Henry and John — started Stavinoha Bros. Saddle Shop. The shop was located where the Poage Federal Building stands today.
After the automobile was invented and gained in popularity, the saddle business tapered off significantly and business evolved into Stavinoha’s Hardware.
The Magic Gambler machine is on display at the Czech Heritage Museum. Be sure and ask for a demonstration — it’s extremely interesting. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
— photo by David Stone, Our Town Temple.
¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues
The latest exhibit, Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues, will be on exhibit at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum through Oct. 8.
Moravian Glory: Preserving Our Brilliance
A new exhibit, Moravian Glory: Preserving Our Brilliance is open at the Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center in Temple, and an official reception will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30. The exhibit runs through Oct. 1
Sunday, July 24
Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
Monday, July 25
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 bags. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Tuesday, July 26
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!
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.
Academie Musique of Central Texas String Faculty Recital fundraiser, 7 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 300 N. Main in Temple.
Trivia Night at J Cowboy, 7:30 p.m.
STEM Team at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.
Baby Bookworms (0-12 months) at Temple Public Library. 11 a.m.
Karaoke at Green Door. 9 p.m.
Wednesday, July 27
Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.
Chris Austin Martinez live at La Riv Kitchen & Bar. 7 p.m.
Through My Eyes art exhibit at The Loft. 6-8 p.m. Paintings, sculptures, poems, photos that focus on a person in the Temple/Belton area and it reflects their true beauty and worth. Presented by Feed My Sheep.
Lunch at the Airport! Flexin’ Texan food truck will be at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport from 11 am. To 2 p.m.
Trivia at Green Door. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
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 28
Through My Eyes art exhibit at The Loft. 6-8 p.m. Paintings, sculptures, poems, photos that focus on a person in the Temple/Belton area and it reflects their true beauty and worth. Presented by Feed My Sheep.
Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
The Bell County Area Parkinson's Support Group meets Thursday afternoon. We'll join with the large Georgetown GAPS support group by Zoom to learn about physical occupational, and speech therapies for those with Parkinson's. Join us in the meeting room at Garden Estates of Temple, 5320 205 Loop, from 2:30 until 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 28.
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!
Country & Western Dance at Sammons Community Center. 6-9 p.m. Take a whirl around the dance floor! Come scoot your boots and tap your feet to the lively music of local country and western bands on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Coffee and punch provided. Bring a finger food or dish to share during intermission. Singles and couples are all welcomed. 18+ 2nd and 4th Thursday
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.
Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.
Country Nights at El Puerto de Jalisco. Live music and great food and drinks. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m
Concert on Main at Salado Civic Center. Salado has been designated a Music Friendly Community by the Governor’s Texas Music Office. To kick off the start of Salado’s Music Friendly Community journey, a free concert will be held for the public featuring Kristyn Harris Food trucks on site.
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.
Friday, July 29
Kyle Reed at Barrow Brewing, 8 p.m.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
Academie Musique of Central Texas String Camp Showcase, 1:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 300 N. Main in Temple.
Summer Sounds Free Concert at Santa Fe Plaza featuring American Merit Band. 7:30 p.m.
Weldon Henson live at Bo’s Barn. Weldon Henson is to country music what an ice cold beer is on a “long, hard, hot, day” – refreshing. The first few notes out of his mouth and you know your witnessing the real deal. 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.
Gabe’s Last Shift at FoxDog (for now). Gabe is headed to college at Texas State. Come wish him farewell. 4:30 p.m.
Sing-A-Long Piano Show at Green Door every Friday at 10 p.m.
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.
Saturday, July 30
Moravian Glory reception at Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center. 4-7 p.m. See this exhibit that chronicles the life of a Moravian woman.
Midnight Tradesmen live at Barrow Brewing. 8 p.m.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
Salado Legends at Tablerock. 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
Niles City live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.
Texas Red’s Name that Tune Bingo at Bold Republic Brewing. 7 p.m.
4-Hour Temple Wine Trail Tour with Tour Temple. 3-7 p.m.
Comedy Showcase at Corky’s Beer & Wine. 8-10 p.m.
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