Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9410210032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Last year, a group of civic-minded Pulaski County citizens became concerned that the historic Pulaski Theatre was falling into serious disrepair and in danger of being demolished.
They formed an organization to renovate the building and return it to productive use.
From the beginning, the objective of the Friends of the Pulaski Theatre has been to provide the county's entire population with a much-needed civic auditorium to serve as a center for the performing arts, entertainment, educational programming and community gatherings. And it would do so in the near future at far less cost than building a new structure.
The group also recognized that a revitalized theater would become an important tourist attraction, as have the Barter Theatre and Bristol's restored Paramount Theatre. This would, of course, provide an economic boost to our county.
Last November, the Board of Supervisors appointed our group as its official agent for renovating and operating the theater. We have since gained nonprofit status.
From the beginning, this has been a completely nonpolitical organization. Unfortunately, the theater has been drawn into the recent political dissension between the county and town over the Courthouse Veterans' Memorial. Suddenly, it is in danger of becoming a pawn to be sacrificed.
At the last supervisors meeting, without informing or consulting with the Friends of the Pulaski Theatre, the board voted to study a motion to tear the theater down, ostensibly as part of the courthouse renovation and Veterans' Memorial project, and create a parking lot.
During the past year:
Volunteers have donated thousands of hours to the theater, temporarily repairing and stabilizing the building, at virtually no cost to the public. Materials and labor for major roof repairs were donated by Pulaski Tinning.
Our surveys of community opinion have been overwhelmingly in favor of restoring the theater.
We are recruiting support at the state and national levels.
We have joined the National League of Historic Theatres, which provides free restoration or consulting expertise and contacts.
We have sought advice from the Barter Theatre director in Abingdon, as well as organizations working with the Paramount Theatre in Bristol, the Lincoln Theatre in Marion and the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg.
We are developing a restoration feasibility study and cost estimates for the theater, using free assistance from the Virginia Tech and Radford University theater departments.
We have launched preliminary fund-raising efforts, resulting in a $30,000 grant commitment from the Richardson Foundation to be awarded when we have raised our first $100,000; $10,000 in financial support from the town of Pulaski; and donations from private citizens.
We hope these accomplishments will continue to justify the Board of Supervisors' support of the theater project and persuade them not to turn this unique treasure into another parking lot.
The Pulaski Theatre, one of our oldest buildings, dating to only a few years after our courthouse, is an historic treasure. Just as the courthouse and depot restoration have benefited all of Pulaski County, so will the theater restoration.
In a state that thrives on its historical attractions, it is crucial for Pulaski County to preserve its attractions. The Pulaski Theatre is potentially one of the finest.
We need your involvement. And we need it now. We invite all the people of Pulaski County to join with us to restore this theater to productive use. Become a Friend of the Pulaski Theatre. Volunteer your ideas, your efforts and your financial support.
And most importantly, right now, let your Board of Supervisors know that you favor saving the theater! Your opinion will help them make the right decision. Please attend the board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday in the county administration building.
by CNB