Star Hall picnic is Saturday
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN TEMPLE
SPJST Lodge No. 47 was formed in the back of a blacksmith shop a few miles east of Temple, and 120 years later, that occasion is celebrated with sausage, polka music and kolaches.
The 2023 version of the SPJST Picnic kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Seaton Star Hall with a fried chicken and sausage lunch. Plates are $12 and can be ordered to go.
A polka jam featuring local musicians will be from noon to 3, and the annual bake sale will feature favorites such as pies, kolaches and cakes.
“An auction featuring a large variety of items will begin at 3 p.m. and proceeds will go the maintenance and operations of Seaton Star Hall, which is one of the largest community centers in eastern Bell County,” said Melanie Zavodny, vice president of communications for Temple-based SPJST.
“We will also have a Kids Zone with a variety of games and activities for the youth,” she said.
SPJST Lodge No. 46 was formed by a group of Seaton men in January 1903. The group — led by Frank Motl and JF Sefcik — met in Thomas Mikulastik’s blacksmith shop and later in the Seaton School before their first lodge hall was constructed in 1906.
Over the years, Star Hall grew and a larger hall was built to support programs in drama, gymnastics, traditional dance, youth events and political rallies. The hall has been used for dances, reunions, meetings and agricultural fairs.