Back in 2014, it looked like the historic Fallon Theatre on Maine Street, a product of the famous architect, Frederic DeLongchamps, would suffer at the hands of the evolution of digital media, Red Box movies, and Netflix. The building had fallen into a state of disrepair due to a lack of revenue as customers disappeared into their homes for easy-to-watch movies. The place was days away from being boarded up, becoming one more vacant, abandoned building on Maine Street.
But a generous contributor and a scrappy little band of volunteers willing to work applying lots of elbow grease came to the rescue of the local treasure. Eight years later, they have created a fun place for free movies, concerts, plays, performances, and meetings. And in the process, an anchor to a downtown restoration that has brought darling boutiques, an international market, and trendy gathering spots.
Back in 2014, Stuart Richardson, local optometrist, and Justice of the Peace Pro-Tem, began applying for grants and building a volunteer base. He is currently serving as the Chairman of the non-profit Save the Fallon Theatre group. Other board members include Mike Berney, Karla Kent, Glen Perazzo, Terri Schultz, and Gary Smith.
Over the years, the group has secured grants to replace the old 35-millimeter projectors with state-of-the-art digital systems, replace the old cast iron pipes and sewage lines, replace the old marquee, as well as purchase the building outright. Currently, the roof is being replaced using a large grant from the State Historic Preservation Office. Last week members submitted a grant to replace the heating and air conditioning system.
Several local businesses have participated in and donated to the restoration efforts including Systems Consultants, R.L. Hyde Carpet Cleaning, D&D Plumbing, Oasis Heating and Air, Nugget/Bonanza, and many others who are recognized inside the theatre lobby on a wall dedicated to thanking them all properly.
In addition to financial resources, countless volunteers contributed time, talent, and treasure to repair and recover the old seats, repair and paint walls, repair the stage, repair the old marquee, and refurbish the upstairs apartment into a beautiful photography studio.
The annual meeting of the Save the Fallon Theatre group is on April 16, where a slideshow of their progress will be shown along with a report of the grant projects. Current sustaining members, as well as the public, are invited to attend.
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