The Oscar Store: Visited 4-14-21

I took a day trip to Temple. There were several old dance halls on Steve Dean’s list and some others I found on an internet search and I wanted to see what they looked like, or if they were still standing.

My first stop was at the Temple Chamber of Commerce to see if they had any information on area dance halls. Unfortunately if the hall was not a member they didn’t have a record. Not surprisingly none were found on their data base under dance or bar.

Undeterred, I took off for the first one on my list, the Oscar Store. Rumor had it they have live music on a fairly regular basis. Now that we are seeing more vaccinations from COVID, the possibilities of dances are increasing. Oscar was supposed to have an outside dance pad – even better while we are still trying to distance.

Oscar Store is located at 8133 Oscar Spur, Temple and was established in 1934. Rudy and Grace Schiller ran the place then. Lightening hit the building in 2005 and the building burned down. It was rebuilt in 2009 by Thomas Maddux.

This little area called Oscar was also known as Jones Gin. Czechs founded the area in the late nineteenth century. Here’s the link for that information.

It’s a lovely drive down country roads. The building is tin with a small patio area in front and as promised, a large concrete dance pad with a raised band stage in the back. The area is surrounded by huge trees and lots of green grass.

The smell of cooking hamburger wafted from the indoor kitchen and made me hungry. The interior had three rows of tables, each seating 4-6. The gentleman at the door instructed me to sit in the middle row, but I could choose my table. I picked a table at the back so I could observe the room.

Pictures of past bands and contests were on the walls. Local, current country music was playing. Watching other customers come in, it was easy to see who were regulars (everyone but me!) Waitstaff were friendly, professional and quick to take orders. Food came back piping hot without a long wait. I had a craving for onion rings, but had I known how big they were I would have asked for a half order. These were ten of the biggest, crispiest rings I’ve ever had. A squeeze bottle of ranch dressing was presented next to the ketchup.

They are having a benefit on the 24th from 2 until close (10 pm) if you are interested in attending. Live music from Matt Cearly & the Rowdy Few, an auction, bake sale, and cornhole tournament are planned.

I’m looking forward to dancing on their concrete pad. Hope to see you there!