Wellsville Getting The Liberty Started

We've heard that the hardest part of accomplishing any task is getting started. This past Tuesday evening the members of the Potter Players Community Theatre (PPCT) group got past that first hurdle at their open house, community meeting. The reason for the get together was to get renovation started on the old Liberty Theater on Wellsville's Main Street. The meeting was held at PPCT playhouse on 15th St.

Heading up the renovation efforts is PPCT Board Member Erin Roberts-Orr. Orr gave an open invitation to anyone & everyone interested in the project at the Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce January luncheon. At that luncheon she stressed the renovation project will be a whole community effort. It's too enormous for just one group of volunteers to take on themselves. Many like hearted souls agree getting the old theater reopened as a community cultural center will be very beneficial to the Wellsville area. Orr was quite frank when saying money will be the biggest obstacle.

The PPCT players acquired the Liberty Theater building in 2002 according the newspaper accounts. Their original intent was to set aside funds from their play performances to eventually get the old girl in shape to once again light up the lobby and open the front doors. However, like everywhere in the nation, the economy hasn't been kind enough to enable them to build on that dream. Consequently the building has sat unused for many years. The PPCT struggles just to get by on a shoe string budget. Utilities, royalty fees and insurance are just of the few items that presently challenge the talented group to keep Wellsville in the arts. Many times individual members of the PPCT dig in their own pockets for one need or another.

It was an exciting and encouraging mix of members of the community that accepted the invitation
to get the renovation efforts underway. The open discussions were positive and productive. Rev. Steve Forsythe made a pitch for his grant writing applications. East Liverpool Architect Scott Shepherd offered his professional services pro bono. It was a Jim Shepherd dream, taken to his eternal reward, to see this project come about. Jim was Scott's father and Scott promised himself after Jim's passing that he would do anything to make his dad's dream happen. A Wellsville son, Jim Shepherd was very active in the town.

Wellsville Area Chamber-of-Commerce President Randy Allmon pledged any help the Chamber can render. Others offered to contact our political representatives at both at the State & Federal levels to research any possible help. One fellow volunteered to check into what can be done to get back the non-profit, tax exempt status for PPCT. For some reason they lost that status and now have to pay nearly $1,200 a year real estate taxes on the old building. Members of Wellsville's Revitalization Committee offered assistance. There was a representative of the Wellsville School District present. Bill Roberts gave a history on the dormant Liberty Theater Association (LTA) and how the building was obtained by them back in the 1990s. He told of all the efforts that were accomplished by that group before the building was turned over to PPCT. The LTA is still a viable group but have been inactive since turning the Liberty over to the PPCT.

PPCT President Kim Winkleman told how there was a lot of promises made by former members that were never fulfilled after getting the building. Eager enthusiasm turned into cold reality when a lot of those meaningless promises came to light. Winkleman noted that those remaining original members have never given up on the renovation efforts and pledged that they never will. It's not going to happen overnight but with all the community involved it will get done. Winkleman observed that even the young actors that are involved with the plays are extremely interested in the project.

PPCT VP Mary Beth Morse said the need is to get the renovation going as a team. Names of volunteers were taken from those attending the meeting to form a Renovation Board. Members of that board are Beverly Hentzell, Anna Mase, Jack Cataldo, Mary Beth Morse, Randy Allmon and Bill Roberts. Erin Orr will act as Chairwoman for the newly formed board.

Next up is a public tour of the old building. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 19 beginning at 10 AM. It is open to the public but due to liability issues only those 18 years of age or older can enter the building. The purpose of the tour is to see what it looks like, what needs to be done first and begin formulating plans to get the renovation actually underway. The building has no heat or electricity. Temporary lighting will be provided the day of the tour. Mary Beth Morse said warm clothing, sturdy shoes and maybe your own flash light is suggested. Mary Beth said with your own flash light you'll be able to check into all the nooks & crannies. The Liberty Theater is located in the 500 block of Main Street, across from Shoub Towers.

The renovation of the Liberty Theater is not just for the Potter Players. Sure they will control it and perform their very entertaining plays at that location. However, it will be much more than that. It will be a community cultural center available to school groups and other organizations wishing to offer an arts event such as other plays, concerts and exhibits. Once completed it will be open to everyone meeting that criteria and it will be there in later years for our children. Above all else it will be for the Wellsville area. It will be a “Community” focal point.

Pictured above starting at the top is the old theater, Erin Roberts-Orr and some of those that attended the meeting on renovating the Liberty. You can click on the pictures to enlarge for a better look.

From paper pushing, pushing broom and the building trades, there is something for everyone to contribute to this important and very worthwhile project.

The Liberty, she may be on life support but there are some very determined people pulling for the old gal...

ole nib