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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 29, 2010 12:30:38 GMT -5
In looking at those Sanborn Insurance Maps the library once offered, some probably noticed that the original Crump building was sectioned off into three separate businesses. When John Crump had this building remodeled (1889) and added the theatre onto the back of the building (1889), the center section became the entrance way to the Theatre.
I was going through some old clippings of the Crump this morning and ran across this one dated February 3, 1920: (Crump's Theatre To Be Enlarged).
Apparently, as late as 1920, the building was still segregated with the entrance way and a business on either side. The newspaper article notes that for the upcoming 1920 remodel, the two businesses on either side were taken over and the entrance way/lobby/other businesses area became one big space. Apparently, Columbus Realty Company and the Clarence Howe Barber Shop were removed during this renovation, as well as two flats on the second floor.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 29, 2010 12:56:03 GMT -5
In looking at those Sanborn Insurance Maps the library once offered, some probably noticed that the original Crump building was sectioned off into three separate businesses. When John Crump had this building remodeled (1889) and added the theatre onto the back of the building (1889), the center section became the entrance way to the Theatre. I was going through some old clippings of the Crump this morning and ran across this one dated February 3, 1920: (Crump's Theatre To Be Enlarged). Apparently, as late as 1920, the building was still segregated into the entrance way, with a business on either side. The newspaper article notes that for the upcoming 1920 remodel, the two businesses on either side were taken over and the entrance way/lobby became one big space. Apparently, Columbus Realty Company and the Clarence Howe Barber Shop were removed during this renovation, as well as two flats on the second floor. I add this to support David's above conversation about the Crump Theatre. PLEASE NOTICE: That the Clarence Howe Barber Shop (barber pole) is on the left of the middle entrance and the support poles on the right says Real Estate(Columbus Reality Company).
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 29, 2010 14:43:10 GMT -5
Bob, that was a nice pick-up!
One more thing regarding the Crump Theatre (thanks to an article Richard sent me).
Will Marsh, when he was writing the column Those Were The Days or something to that effect for the Evening Republican back in the 1930's, he made mention that, at one time, there was a mortuary inside the Crump Theatre building.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on May 1, 2010 7:20:21 GMT -5
The Crump Theatre now has a very attractive website online: hopefully a sign of good things to come. They have Dave Sechrest's very extensive (and always evolving) history of the building under their history section. Public support of the concerts and plays held periodically are essential to the future of the Crump. Donations are always welcome. The Crump desperately needs a major benefactor to "adopt" the building and make it a showcase in our downtown area. crumptheatre.com/index.html
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RER
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Post by RER on May 1, 2010 9:26:36 GMT -5
The Crump Theatre now has a very attractive website online: hopefully a sign of good things to come. They have Dave Sechrest's very extensive (and always evolving) history of the building under their history section. Public support of the concerts and plays held periodically are essential to the future of the Crump. Donations are always welcome. The Crump desperately needs a major benefactor to "adopt" the building and make it a showcase in our downtown area. crumptheatre.com/index.html Thanks Ricky for posting the Crump Theatre new web site. It really is a good quality site. David Sechrest's history summary adds a comprehensive background of the theatre. As I read that history it looks like David may have been asked to develop the information, because some was newer. Good show!!
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Post by David Sechrest on May 1, 2010 12:01:43 GMT -5
Bob, I added to it after your discovery of the stereoscopy images and our discussions in the 1800's thread regarding the ladies picture and the "Crump" in the background. I still have to add that picture I received from Mike, even though it doesn't show the entire theatre, I feel it important enough to share at this point in time because it proves without a doubt that the vitrolite front wasn't added until the 1941 renovation. There remain some historical facts I haven't shared with anyone as of yet. Plus, I need to delete that part about F. J. Crump's Opera Hall burning. That never happened. Will Marsh confused that with the St. Denis fire. Like Ricky said, it's truly an on-going story! Thanks for providing the link, Ricky!
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 9, 2011 13:08:53 GMT -5
Connie Hull posted this picture of Jeannine Carmichael (her mom) and Joe Tom Atkins, before a show at the Crump Theatre, early 1940's. She posted this picture on Facebook and gave me permission to share it with everyone here. Thank you Connie!
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Aug 11, 2011 15:41:28 GMT -5
Well....That answers questions about how long the mural has been on the wall! I'm surprised to know that it has been there for so long.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2011 21:33:13 GMT -5
I remember the Mural in the Crump as for back as 1941.
George
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RER
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Post by RER on Dec 12, 2011 18:33:51 GMT -5
John "Cougar" Mellencamp Small Town Live Crump TheaterBorn & Raised In Seymour IndianaBrief: John performed a show Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 12:51 pm a the Crump Theater. He had previously performed at the Crump over 30 years ago before he was famous. Today, at this posting date the show was repeated on the Biographical program of television. Here are three U-Tube Clips @ Crump show:
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 17, 2012 10:36:15 GMT -5
Did anyone see the article in today's Republic regarding the Crump? There's a picture of Rovene accompanying the article, and, at this point, talk of some type of restoration for the old place.
For those of you who live out of town and do not get the newspaper, you may be able to access it on The Republic website. In short, Mayor Kristen Brown is part of a newly formed Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, which wants to turn our downtown into a cultural district.
I do appreciate Mayor Brown's thoughts on the Crump: "If we want to restore it, there's no question we can get it done," she said.
The Crump Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It will be most interesting to see how this all plays out.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Apr 17, 2012 11:23:12 GMT -5
Here's a link to to the story on The Republic website. It should be available to anyone: (but apparently you only get the full story if you are logged in as a Republic subscriber...sorry) www.therepublic.com/view/local_story/Group_looking_at_possibility_o_1334635068/ (from the Republic 4/17/2012): Mayor Kristen Brown says she thinks enough private and public money can be found to renovate the 137-year-old Crump Theatre and make it a key part of a potential downtown Indiana Cultural District. But she and other members of her newly formed Arts and Culture Advisory Committee say operating expenses could pose more of a challenge. That has been the case with renovated theaters in Bloomington, Anderson and Greenfield. Brown also said some city funds could be used for upkeep. “I’m not allergic to that idea at all,” she said, adding that it would be similar to using city money to maintain parks. “I think the Crump is as important an asset as, say, Hamilton Center (ice rink).” In Bloomington, an annual fundraising campaign helps cover expenses for the 600-seat Buskirk-Chumley Theatre. A management company operates the facility for the city. The Heritage Fund: The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County has covered many of the Crump’s monthly expenses for several years. Advisory committee member and Community Education Coalition leader John Burnett said the public will have ample opportunity for input and ideas about the Crump and its use. Karen Shrode, executive director of the Columbus Area Arts Council and chairwoman of the committee, said the Crump’s use in recent years for concerts, plays and other events has been dictated by its current configuration. But Shrode said the committee is open to a variety of changes, from “maintaining its current footprint to changing it dramatically.” Rovene Quigley, who has been the Crump’s volunteer operator for the past nine years, said she opposes dramatic changes. The Heritage Fund and the Columbus Area Arts Council in 2001 gathered estimates ranging from $1 million to $7 million, depending on the scope of renovations. The only way to determine what can be done “is by completing a thorough assessment,” Shrode said. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted everything from silent movies nearly a century ago to pop star John Mellencamp’s televised concert and documentary four years ago. Shrode emphasized that the mere fact that the committee is exploring options for the Crump does not mean that renovations are a foregone conclusion. “We’re not making a case for it,” Shrode said. “We’re just gathering the facts.” Brown said she was confident that despite the maintenance challenges that have befallen the Crump in recent years, the structure can be saved if that’s what the community wants. “If we want to restore it, there’s no question we can get it done,” she said. Did anyone see the article in today's Republic regarding the Crump? There's a picture of Rovene accompanying the article, and, at this point, talk of some type of restoration for the old place. For those of you who live out of town and do not get the newspaper, you may be able to access it on The Republic website. In short, Mayor Kristen Brown is part of a newly formed Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, which wants to turn our downtown into a cultural district. I do appreciate Mayor Brown's thoughts on the Crump: "If we want to restore it, there's no question we can get it done," she said. It will be most interesting to see how this all plays out.
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Post by Rhonda on Apr 18, 2012 8:24:54 GMT -5
Since the Crump is part of my family history, I feel like I should weigh in here. I do hope that the structure can be saved and used appropriately. I helped down there for a couple years, but the same things just have to keep being re-done. The first thing that needs to happen is something with the exterior walls to keep moisture from coming in (my opinion).
What era do you take it back to? The early 1900's? The art deco period? It's going to be hard to decide. There is much history in there. Some has already been destroyed but can perhaps be reclaimed. I believe I have (somewhere in my family history files!) a note that states that at the time it was built, it was the most beautiful theater in Indiana. It is also the oldest still standing. It needs to be saved.....like Zaharako's was saved!
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 20, 2012 20:37:33 GMT -5
Well, I am most definitely in the camp of NOT changing it drastically.
Regarding restoration (and what period to restore it to), I would suggest taking it back to the remodel that was done in 1941. After all, the exterior has been renovated to that time period, so why not the interior? It would be cool if they could even bring back the way the water fountains worked.
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 22, 2013 9:46:35 GMT -5
Good morning everybody! I have searched high and low, and have not been able to locate a picture of Keith's Arcade. To my knowledge, no pictures exist. I was lucky enough, however, to locate a picture of what Keith's Arcade looked like. I found an advertisement in the Columbus Republican newspaper that included a drawing of the building. Based on that picture, I asked Lesley Carter if she would provide a picture of Keith's Arcade for my book, Columbus Indiana's Historic Crump Theatre. This is Lesley's drawing, and I am proud to include it in my upcoming book. I will also be commissioning Lesley to draw a picture of what this building looked like after it was remodeled and became a part of Crump's New Theatre. Here is a brief synopsis as to how John Crump acquired the Keith's Arcade building: December, 1888. Col. John A. Keith, prominent Columbus attorney and local Civil War hero, has been declared insane. Sheriff William Smith takes Keith to the Indianapolis Insane Asylum the morning of December 3rd. This is not Keith's first time. The Republican newspaper of the same date has this to say: "For a time after his release and return here, Col. Keith appeared perfectly rational but he soon took to drink and his mental condition rapidly became demented." David Stobo is assigned as Keith's guardian. Keith owes Frank Crump $28,000. On January 24, 1889, Stobo announces that, on Monday, January 28, 1889, he will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, most if not all of Col. Keith's property holdings. The auction is held in the north room of the Courthouse the morning of January 28, 1889. 15 lots are auctioned off. John Crump bids on Lot 14, a prime parcel of downtown real estate. His bid of $6,000 seals the deal. Lot 14 is better known through town as Keith's Arcade. John Crump will build his new Theatre building onto the back of Keith's Arcade. Looking at this building, one can see why it was called the "Arcade" building. During its time as Keith's Arcade, there were never any amusements held inside. Little work was done to the facade of the old Arcade building after John Crump bought it. There was a canopy added above the doors under the middle arch. This was the entrance way to the Theatre. Also, he had the words "Keith's", "Arcade", "A.D. 1871" removed in the upper arches and had "Crump's", "New", "Theatre" bricked in.
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 20, 2013 21:13:33 GMT -5
Carol Ahlbrand was kind enough to let me use this picture in my book, Columbus Indiana's Historic Crump Theatre. The man in the wagon (left) is Carol's grandfather, Walter Doup (pronounced dowp). Date of this picture is circa 1897. Walter was the Bill Poster for both the Crump Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre. Walter was also the stage manager at Crump's, operating the stage scenery mechanism that moved the giant scenes on and off stage. In 1926, Walter, along with Frank Rembusch, and four other men, were arrested in what is the most controversial topic in the history of the Crump Theatre (covered in my upcoming book).
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 26, 2013 22:27:34 GMT -5
My book, Columbus Indiana's Historic Crump Theatre will be available for purchase October 1, 2013. Price will be $19.99. 50% of the book proceeds go to the Crump Theatre. There is a lot of history squeezed into the 40,000 words in this book. Approximately 140 years worth. I could have easily spent another 40,000 words to tell the story. But even with the limitation of word space, I think I did a good job in telling the story. I hope everyone is looking forward to the book, and I hope you enjoy the story. Our money is going to a worthy cause. I know it's difficult to read, and here is what the back of the book says: "Not since the construction of the Columbus courthouse had one man and his vision received as much publicity from local newspapers as John Crump and his theatre, designed and built by Charles Sparrell in 1889. This is the story of the passion, struggles and triumphs that created the first true cultural arts center in this small town and the legacy that continues to inspire the community over a century later to protect this local landmark. It is a journey marked by first-class opera performances, flickering silent films, police intervention and arrests, and ultimately decay and closure. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book will go to the Heritage Fund in support of the Crump Theatre building—an architectural treasure in a city that boasts many."
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Post by David Sechrest on Sept 24, 2013 0:05:10 GMT -5
Monday morning, I met with Mike Nolting, News Director, Reising Radio Partners, Inc. Mike was kind enough to give me some time to talk about my book, Columbus Indiana's Historic Crump Theatre, the upcoming Book Release Party on Tuesday, October 1, and, the Crump Theatre!
My interview will be broadcast on the Community Spotlight segment this coming Sunday morning at 5:45am on QMIX (107.3), MOJO (102.9), and KORN (100.3), all on your FM dial. Sunday's time for KORN will be 6:45am.
Rovene, I am so sorry I forgot to thank you for opening up the Crump Theatre for the book signing on Tuesday, October 1. I will correct this when I appear on John Foster's morning show, Thursday, September 26.
Mike, thanks for the opportunity to talk about my book and the Crump Theatre!
Here is the radio interview that I recorded with my digital recorder.
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 26, 2014 7:48:46 GMT -5
Catching UpIf you haven't been keeping up to date on all that has happened thus far with the Crump Theatre, things might seem somewhat confusing. --On March 24, 2014, results of the Jones & Phillips Associates Crump Theatre feasibility study was presented to the Columbus Indiana Redevelopment Commission and the public. --Due to concerns about the safety of the building, on April 1, Columbus Fire Chief Dave Allmon announced he would not allow the Crump to reopen. --A command performance of the Jones & Phillips presentation was given to the public last Thursday, April 24. The Cal Brand Room inside City Hall was, maybe, half filled. The Jones & Phillips presentation includes five options: 1. The 300 to 450 Seat Crump with new additions on the east side and a new Stage with loading dock. 2. The "evolved" Crump like #1 but with the stage walled off and a stage extension put forward of the existing Proscenium. 3. The 1000 Seat option (All new building saving the Crump Sign and elements of the exterior) taking the Cummins parking lot and needing to have restrooms above or below the main floor. 4. The 1200 seat version that would take the whole corner of the block to Franklin St (All new building saving the Crump Sign and elements of the exterior). 5. A 1500 seat performing arts hall as part of the Sears site, allowing the Crump to become either #1 or #2. You can Watch Jones & Phillips' March 24 presentation here: linkYou can Download a copy of the Analysis of the Crump Feasibility Report (March 24) here: linkYou can Download a copy of the Consultants Presentation to the Redevelopment Commission (March 24) here: linkYou can Download a copy of the Executive Summary (March 24) here: linkFast Forward To This Morning (April 26)The headline in this morning's Republic newspaper is "Crump’s future: $11 million overhaul?" From The Republic website: "A steering committee is leaning toward recommending an $11 million renovation of the Crump Theatre. Mayor Kristen Brown said she drew that conclusion from discussions with steering committee members, who will make a recommendation May 19 to the Columbus Redevelopment Commission about the theater’s future. That version of the theater would have 350 to 450 seats and modern theater amenities including state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, stage modifications and acoustic improvements." This recommendation falls under option #1 listed above. It appears that whatever option we care to consider, a major overhaul of the Crump Theatre stage is going to be needed. The stage is the only remaining part that has not been changed since the theater first opened in 1889. Underneath the laminate of 4' by 8' sheets of fiberboard exists the original Crump Theatre stage, and on that stage is the reminder of some very famous performers that once spent time there. Many of the names are unfamiliar to many of us today, but in their time, they were some of the best. Robert Mantell. Robert Downing. Ethel Waters. These are only a few. There were many more. The Chicago Symphony Orchrestra appeared on stage in December, 1899. The most expensive part of any Crump Theatre renovation is rebuilding the stage. At a meeting yesterday morning, I asked if there was any possible way the stage, as it is today, could be saved. The answer is "no." I also asked what percentage of the overall price of restoration is stage related. The answer, more than 50%, and most likely approaching 60% to 65%. In the coming months, we will be faced with some tough decisions. The next meeting will be May 19. If the public is invited to that meeting, I urge you to attend.
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RER
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Post by RER on Jul 17, 2014 11:25:57 GMT -5
Accolades To David Sechrest Founder Of This History Board Republic Paper Column: Future of Crump should include ideas from theater's historian The fate of the Crump Theatre is in the hands of a varied group of business leaders, supporters of the arts and government officials. Experts in the restoration of historical theaters, development of business plans, creation of performing arts centers and fiscal planning have been consulted. It is not a new process. People have been trying to figure out how to best use the Crump for decades. That it is still a part of the Columbus landscape is a major achievement, due in no small part to the fierce dedication of a select group of people who recognize its historic importance to the community. Unfortunately, any hopes of moving past the status quo have encountered the same problem: costs. This latest effort to bring the Crump back to life carries a big price tag. So far the most discussed figure is in the $11 million range. That’s why so many important leaders in business, arts and government have been involved. Ironically, the one person who knows more than anyone else about the Crump and its long history stretching back into the 19th century has been sitting on the sidelines. I would venture that David Secrest’s knowledge of the Crump eclipses that of all those involved in the current study combined. He’s author of a book — “Columbus Indiana’s Historic Crump Theatre” — that is an extremely detailed study of how the Crump progressed through the centuries. The volume is part nostalgia but mostly history, describing the various phases in the Crump’s existence and its uses over the years. David took on the task of writing the book as a work of love. The history part was natural to the local resident. He developed the Historic Columbus Indiana website, which is unquestionably the most sweeping and avidly followed website dealing with local history. The Crump has been a part of his life from birth; and, coupled with that love of history, his lifelong association with the theater made him a natural as author of a book about its history. Admittedly a book about the history of a small theater in a small Indiana community might not be a natural for the New York Times bestseller list, but it did come to the attention of some pretty important people dedicated to restoring historic theaters. Shortly after it was published, David received a call from a representative of the company that printed it. “She told me that someone from the Theatre Historical Society of America had requested a copy,” David said. “It really took me aback, but I didn’t give much thought to it until she called back a few weeks later telling me that it had been nominated for an award by the group. I was really surprised later when I was invited to attend a meeting in Pittsburgh to receive an award for the book.” David developed a measure of skepticism about the group and the award, wondering if the whole thing was legitimate. “Actually, I had decided to just send them a letter asking that they mail my award to me, but my daughter talked me into making the trip,” he said. “It was some of the best advice I’ve ever received.” He quickly learned that the organization was legitimate. He joined approximately 125 others at the banquet, where he met some of his fellow award recipients. That list included: Lloyd and Sandra Huffman of Corsicana, Texas, who raised $925,000 to restore a community theater. David Newell, the actor who portrayed Mr. McFeely on the PBS television series “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.” David Morrison, founder of Theater Heritage and author of the Library of Congress book “Theaters.” Rona Nesbitt, vice president of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which has transformed a downtroddden section of downtown Pittsburgh into a thriving arts community. Arthur P. Ziegler Jr., founder of the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. During the dinner David learned that he also had been involved in the restoration of the former Columbus City Hall. “It was just a fantastic experience, better than anything I had ever been involved with in the past,” David said. “If anything, it reaffirmed my belief in the future of the Crump Theatre.” It would seem that those currently involved in deciding what to do with the Crump might be well advised to take advantage of David’s commitment to the Crump and his knowledge.[/p] •By Harry McCawley Associate editor Republic Newspaper (Columbus IN) Article printed 16 July 2014
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