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History of the Town Hall Theatre
The historic Town Hall Theatre, ( Also referred to as Town Hall Opry, and Bainbridge Opera House) on North Main Street in Bainbridge New York, was built in 1909-1910, thanks to the efforts of Harrison L. Beatty. He saw a need in the community for a municipal center, combined with a cultural and arts forum.
The Town Hall served as the municipal building, library, and jail, as well as the hub for entertainment in Bainbridge and surrounding area for many years. In this time before television, folks would come into town for performances, movies, and socializing. Live performances were held until 1938, pushed aside in favor of motion pictures, when it was renamed The Avon Movie Theatre, which operated until the 1950s..
Recognizing the importance of this building, and the need to restore it, the Jericho Arts Council has taken the responsibility of educating the public, and bringing together the resources within the community to accomplish this goal. Much work has been done, yet there is so much more to do, so there is an active search for funding, and volunteers to complete the project in time for the buildings 100th Anniversary in 2010.
Planning is underway for a celebration for the anniversary , and we need your help. Please contact us if you have any information, pictures , photographs, or memorabilia about the building. When the time comes, with your help, we can truly have a magnificent celebration!
Update on the Restoration Project
The Directors of the Jericho Arts Council thank you for past support of the Town Hall Theatre would like to remind you of the remaining programs in this Spring 2006 Season, and hope you will take advantage of as many as you can. We are taking this opportunity to make a plea for funds for the projects yet to be done at the Theatre. Our goal is to celebrate the Theatre's 100th Anniversary in 2009-2010 with a beautifully restored space.
What has been done so far:
The stage lighting has been updated, new rigging and curtains have been installed on the stage, new carpeting has been
installed in the theatre, the stairway, lobby, and Gallery have been
painted, and window shades have been installed in the balcony windows to
darken the theatre for daytime productions.
The progress we have made this year:
Install new flooring on thestage, updated and carpet the balcony stairs in the theatre proper.
A Seating Treatment Program is in the works and with a $100 donation for a seat cushion and back, an engraved plaque would be placed on the back of the seat with your name, recognizing your efforts in the restoration project.
What is in the works:
Painting the interior walls and proscenium, and adding the original stenciling to the walls and up the stairs along with
refurbishing the woodwork.
We come to you all for financial help now and will be letting you know of opportunities to help physically with woodwork refinishing and painting projects as they come up.
Thank you for your interest and help in the past and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
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