Potter Players Select To Go It Alone

Yesterday we got a call from a member of Wellsville's Revitalization Committee (RC). The caller stated they have been informed that the Board of Directors for the Potter Players Community Theatre (PPCT) has decided to decline the committee's offer to pitch in with help with the old Liberty Theater. (Please see comments below) The PPCT is not turning down help from any source. They just do not want to give up the deed to the old theater.

The Liberty Theater, believed to have been built in 1924, has sat mostly vacant and unused since sometime in the 1980s. The previous owners tried to donate the building to the Wellsville School District but the School Board said no thanks. Then in 1998 it was turned over to the Liberty Theater Association (LTA). Out of his own pocket, Wellsville Funeral Director Bill Roberts paid to get the LTA listed as a nonprofit organization. Workers pretty much gutted out the main theater that was ruined after years of neglect. They got equipment from the old American Theater in East Liverpool. They even went and fetched an old pipe organ from somewhere in mid- Pennsylvania. After obtaining some grant funding a new roof was put on along with a new concrete floor in the main theater. Work was begun on replacing the electrical system in the building but Roberts was quoted in the newspapers as saying "roadblocks started to come up and he was exhausted".

In 2005, maybe 2006, the LTA group learned that the PPCT members were very interested in the building. Again, as quoted in the newspapers, they "had a grant writer, electricians and contractors in place". The building was given to them. Roberts was quoted as saying "it was the proper thing to do".

Then a little over a year ago members of Wellsville's Revitalization Committee contacted the PPCT with an offer to join forces to refurbish the old theater. We accompanied both groups on a Monday evening, August 31, 2009, when they toured the building. At the time we noted that the brick building was dry and appeared structurally sound. Members of the PPCT present indicated that with the economy funds pretty much dried up. They said the first thing that was needed was to find an architect willing to donate time to draw up plans for the renovation. That way they would have a better understanding on exactly what was needed and get cost estimates. At that time all work had stopped and the building was used mostly for storage.

This past October 13 a public meeting was hosted by Wellsville Mayor Joe Surace at Village Hall regarding the Liberty Theater, at the request of the RC. With rehearsals going on, only one member of the PPCT group was able to attend. East Liverpool Architect Scott Shepherd was in attendance and offered to donate his services. He was quoted in a news article as saying "My dad (the late Jim Shepherd) wanted to see that theater put back into place" and he would like to see those wishes fulfilled. Shepherd said the Liberty "is one jewel in Wellsville that needs shined up".

The RC had hopes to complete the renovations and open the theater up for multiple uses such as receptions, banquets and other events in addition to theatrical performances. They have joined forces with Heritage Ohio for their Main Street USA program. With fund raisers, and their connection with Heritage Ohio, they believe money could be found to complete the renovation. The PPCT would have use of the building at any time and the old Liberty Theater would be a drawing point to get people into the Village.

However, Bill Roberts advised there is an attachment to the deed stipulating that the building can only be used as a cultural center for educational purposes, fine arts and age appropriated performing arts. Roberts said some may laugh at a cultural center in Wellsville but whoever would have thought a sleepy mill town such as Midland, PA, would now be home of one the country's finest educational arts center for performing and cultural arts? That attachment to the deed was part of the mission statement for the dormant LTA and is legally binding. Part of the deed states if the PPCT ever decides to let the building go, ownership would go back to the LTA.

In confirming the news yesterday, Roberts verified that he and daughter Erin have been invited to join the PPCT Board of Directors. They have both decided to join forces with the PPCT with planned attempts to rejuvenate the renovation efforts. Roberts indicated that although the nonprofit status for the LTG has expired it would be no problem to get it renewed. Bill added their decision wasn't for them and it wasn't for the PPCT. It's for Wellsville. The Roberts Family history of community service leaves no doubt in that statement.

PPCT Board President Kim Winkleman also confirmed the decision yesterday. She noted that when the group first got the Liberty Theater there was a lot of excitement about the project. However, the excitement and consequent backing, tapered off and dwindled which was contributed to the economy. When money gets tight entertainment dollars are one of the first things to get cut back. Many members have dug into their own pockets just to keep the PPCT going.

Winkleman added there are high hopes especially in getting renewed interest in renovating the Liberty Theater. Having the Roberts join in will probably be a big plus toward those goals. With the holidays fast approaching it was decided they would hold off until shortly after the new year to really get things started. In the mean time there are plans for some work days to clean up the front end of the building and to do some painting before winter sets in. Winkleman added they are always looking for new members to join. It doesn't matter whether it's just for pushing a broom or giving ideas. Anyone interested can contact the PPCT by calling 330-532-5540.

We certainly hope the Liberty Theater will be renovated and re-opened and believe it will be accomplished in time. As Scott Shepherd indicated it's a Wellsville gem that needs to be polished. It would be a shining light in Wellsville that everyone can take pride in.

The efforts of the Revitalization Committee are to be commended. Their work with the Main Street USA program will be an excellent contribution to the Village. The resolve of the PPCT members is also noteworthy and their renovation efforts for the theater would be an exciting compliment for everyone involved.

Together both groups are working passionately for the good of the Village. Wellsville is forturnate to have them.

ole nib