Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce

Page 3 Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce Member Spotlight: Peoples Bank Theatre On Thursday, May 9, Peoples Bank Thea- tre cut the ribbon on a new century of en- tertainment in downtown Marietta. The historic theatre's 100 th anniversary was celebrated in style on stage, with a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of a new Ohio Historical Marker commemorating the theatre's storied history and recent restora- tion. The ceremony was opened by Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews, with remarks by Peoples Bank Theatre Executive Director Hunt Brawley, Hippdrome/Colony Histori- cal Theatre Association President Bill Haas, Dan Stephan, Sr. (President Emeri- tus of the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association), Bonnie Ward (Southeast Regional Liaison for Governor DeWine), Erin Cefaratti, of the Ohio His- tory Connection, and MACC President Carrie Ankrom. Mayor Matthews said the restoration had made the theatre a point of pride for Mari- etta once again. "The seeds of this effort were planted al- most 20 years ago at the Marietta Commu- nity Foundation," noted Brawley. "That was part of the Community 20/20 commu- nity asset identification process." "One hundred years ago, the theatre opened with a silent film, and last week, we hosted the largest show we've ever done—Chicago," Brawley added. It's amazing to think that in 100 years, we went from silent film to four truckloads of sound equipment, lighting, and more in this theatre." Brawley acknowledged the contributions of a number of local and regional organiza- tions in making the vision of restoring the theatre a reality: the Marietta Community Foundation, the City of Marietta, Heritage Ohio, Buckeye Hills Regional Council, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, The Ohio Historic Tax Credit Program, Ohio Arts Council, and The Governor's Office of Appalachia. Federal funding was also secure through the Save America's Treasure's Program and National Endow- ment for the Arts. Brawley added that the restoration couldn't have happened without the incredible support the theatre has re- ceived over the years from local donors and the closing gift and tax credit invest- ment of Peoples Bank. Stephan, the founding president of the HCHTA marveled at the building's lon- gevity. "It was built by local people. The Putnam family had the construction com- pany that built this theatre," Stephan noted. "It warms my heart when I come to this place, it's full, and people are enjoying themselves and seeing a great show." Ankrom added that the theatre has provid- ed a valuable stage for performances by national touring artists, local musicians, and even school groups and local dance studios to share their talents in just the four short years since its restoration and reopen- ing. In 2018, Peoples Bank Theatre brought 50,000 visitors through its doors for more than 100 events, with attendance growing each year. The theatre's youth programs and in-school performances have reached over 2,500 local youth. Partnering with the MACC, Marietta Main Street, the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the City of Marietta, the theatre has been excit- ed to play a role in the continued revitali- zation of downtown Marietta and adding to the region's roster of attractions. In 1919, when the theatre was built as "The New Hippodrome" the Eiffel tower was the tallest building in the world. Life expectancy in the US was 53 for men and 56 for women. Radio was in its infancy, plumbing and electricity were rare in rural areas, and air conditioning was almost nonexistent. In fact, the theatre boasted that was the first air-conditioned building in Marietta, with signs that proudly boast- ed. "It's Cool Inside" above the entrance. It was an amazing facility when it was built and might be even more remarkable now that it has been restored, still function- ing as a technologically modern, yet histor- ic entertainment venue. Article submitted by Peoples Bank Theatre.

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