Margo CHS Class of 55
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
Posts: 376
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on May 5, 2005 9:24:54 GMT -5
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ROVENE QUIGLEY!!
An article in today's Republic (May5th,2005) states she has been named BC Senior Citizen of the Year!! I can't think of a more deserving person! One person who nominated her said ~ ~ Rovene is known for her determination ! Rovene's motto is " Stupidity has never stopped me yet! " It notes her ongoing work to restore the Crump Theatre. I hope to see her at noon today when The National Day pf Prayer sErvice starts at noon. If you are in Columbus,come and join us as we pray for safety for our active duty military. Also Grateful Thanks to our wonderful Veterans ! Margo CHS Class of 55
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Post by David Sechrest on May 5, 2005 10:54:27 GMT -5
Margo wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ROVENE QUIGLEY!!"
If anyone deserves this award, Rovene is it! I read the article in this morning's paper, and am so glad that this recognition was bestowed upon her. Besides her many other activities, the Crump is what it is today because of Rovene's efforts. Hats off to her!!!
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Margo CHS Class of 55
HCI Forum Board Member
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
Posts: 376
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on May 5, 2005 14:46:56 GMT -5
I just returned from the National Day of Prayer Service held at the Crump. I met Rovene there right away, and congratulated her on her new title as Senior Citizen of the Year. She had not seen the article in the paper, so was glad to be the first one to tell her, and give her a hug ! Should have had my picture taken with our newest Celebrity, but my mind wasn't working. Hopefully, later.
The Prayer service was wonderful ! For those of you unable to go, there will be an evening service at First Baptist Church ,3300 Fairlawn Drive at 7:00 pm tonight, Thursday , May 5th.
Now as to the Crump...Oh my, what memories I stirred up as I took pictures. This is the place my late husband, Bill, took me on our first date. We shared one bag of popcorn and one coke ! good memories ! The huge mural across from the Concession stand is still there, and mostly intact. The water fountains are there, but the electronic eyes have been removed to hopefully restore them. I talked to Rovene about the murals I remembered of Diana, the huntress. these were the ones of a lady and the deer I described in an earlier message. They were set on opposite walls, in the main area of the Theatre, and are presently also in the process of being restored. The Concession stand remains the same, complete with popcorn machine. I bought a diet coke, and talked to Vicke Rutan, about memories of the Theatre. Great Conversation! As for the private lounge with the "Rocking Chairs" They were at the Crump! So I did get that right! Thanks to all my classmates that emailed me in support of the Crump as to their location. I was inaccurate on describing them as Rocking Chairs. Rovene tells me they are more like a lounge chair, in an "S" pattern, and are stored at the Crump, hopefully for renovation later.
I was able to go up to the ladies room, that I had imagined was SO HUGE !! Well, it has somehow shrank !! However, the large circular mirror is still intact on the wall, The individual make up mirrors are there, also. Different chairs in front of each station.
I went on up to the balcony, and took some pics looking down on the main floor. AWESOME !! The balcony needs a lot of work yet, but it amazing what Rovene has accomplished !! I also saw Mary Belle( Pool) Barr... ( Norman's wife) as she was there. Stirred up some memories with her, also. Her mother used to work in the office at the Crump, and Mary Belle said Norman knew she was a "Cheap Date" . She she could get them in free and also free popcorn from the Concession Stand. I'm thinking he was smitten with her, as they have been married all these years.
I am hoping my pictures turn out. If so, will bring them to the CHS Class of '55 Saturday Lunch Bunch on May 21st. Just a wonderful, wonderful time spent reminiscing about the Movies, and all the times I had spent there during my Jr High and High School Days.
I did not mean to ramble on so much, but I'm just overflowing with vivd memories just now. If you are in Columbus, or are visiting, please take time to contact Rovene for a tour of this wonderful Theatre with so many stories to tell, if it could talk. I am hopeful we can do a tour of it, during our 50th Reunion this coming August.
Time to come back to the present , and look forward to reading some more comments from others.
Dave , how about a folder for the Rio Theatre? Have great memories of that place also. Margo McCalip Hughey Class of '55
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on May 9, 2005 5:00:26 GMT -5
I went to the Mothers Day concert at the Crump today. Great music, great acoustics...unfortunately not very many came and few stayed to the end. I always forget what a good musician Dale Sechrist is...he should get out and play more! The concert ended with Rowene's sons playing on stage together so it was a nice Mothers Day for her even if it didn't raise much money for the Crump. The usual music fare at the Crump is heavy metal rock and teen music so some adult rock and country was nice.
Despite its rough edges its still a great place to be for movies, music or whatever. I'd love to see some theatre productions there. I used to live in Anderson and they did a multi-million dollar renovation of the Paramount theatre there...but it started out just like the Crump...saved from the wrecking ball, then cleaned up and used for community events until the funds were finally raised for a total renovation. Hopefully the Crump is safe for now and its usable for lots of events. Lets support it when we can and urge the city and local corporations to get behind it.
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Margo CHS Class of 55
HCI Forum Board Member
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
Posts: 376
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on May 9, 2005 12:56:27 GMT -5
Thank you ,Ricky ,for your posting of the Concert. I was not able to go as I was out of town most of the day, with my family, and the concert was over by the time I retrurned home. Sure sorry they did not have a better turnout. I know Rovene must have been so proud to have her sons up on the stage singing to her on her Special Day.
I would love to hear Dale at another time. Dave, does he have an event schedule. If so, I would love to have a copy of it. I'm not sure Columbus families knew what kind of music they would be hearing. Possibly it needed a better theme. I went to one concert geared to teens, and NEVER AGAIN!! I took ear plugs, and still could hear just fine.
I might talk to Rovene and suggest she have a 50's type concert. Then us "Oldie's but goodies" would know what kind of music to expect. Might even think of having an "Elvis Look alike Contest" . How about any of the Hit Parade stars such as Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee, Perry Como, Bobby Darin, Brenda Lee, etc.... Or a Contest for those wearing 50's outfits?
Anyone else have any suggestions? If so, please post them here, and I will contact her about it.
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Post by David Sechrest on May 10, 2005 0:17:51 GMT -5
Margo, I think Dale may be playing at one of the Donner Park music events this summer, but I'm uncertain of the date. I'll post more info as I find out.
It most likely went by unnoticed Sunday, but the sound man didn't show up. Last minute changes had to be made, but things turned out ok.
That's the really nice thing about the Crump being a community auditorium. Just about anything can be done there. I like the idea of the "oldies but goodies" stuff.
Some may not know this, but back when John Mellencamp called himself Johnny Cougar, his first concert was at the Crump. I'm sure that Tim Grimm could get in touch with John. It would be neat to see him do an "unplugged" show at the Crump. Just maybe he would be willing to help with any fundraiser regarding the Crump, especially considering his early ties to the Theatre.
Groups can be had, if the money is there. Just look at the concerts at Mill Race Park. I would be interested in finding out what the seating capacity of the Crump (in its present state) is. It would be really neat to book some "oldies but goodies" to play there.
Since the hot rod car show (in August? September?) draws so many people downtown, it would be a prime time to get the Crump involved in some way or another. I know it's off the beaten path as far as where the cars are, but since Washington Street is blocked off, if nothing else, a table should be set up to accept donations that would go to the Crump. It seems to me that the car show draws more people from my age group (let's say, 40 and 50 year olds), so maybe a music venue that evening with this specific age group in mind would be a successful undertaking. They usually have a band play during the evening. Washington Street is blocked off, and the stage is normally set up just north of the 3rd and Washington intersection. I wonder what the possiblities would be of getting the band to play at the Crump instead?
Another idea to draw a totally different type of crowd might be something along the line of traditional japanese or indian music, as well as japanese or indian movies. This might help to draw people not familiar with the Crump into its cause, as well as providing the investment possibilities the theatre needs from major businesses. I feel that a major portion of our "newer" residents are overlooked, as well as their possible involvement in any efforts to restore the Theatre.
One of the biggest musical draws in the history of the Theatre happened around a hundred years ago when an "old time fiddlin' contest" was held to see who was the best fiddler in the county. It was an incredible draw, from the accounts I've read.
My brother, Dale, and I, being the horror nuts we are, wanted to rent the Crump a couple of years back on Halloween and show the old classic horror movies there. Since YES Cinema is an independent, they might be able to help locate distributors from which movies could be rented.
As far as further speculation (which all of this is), it would be really great if someone were to build a nice restaurant next to the Crump. This would only add to the interest in getting the place fixed up so that people might enjoy dinner, as well as a "night out on the town," either in the form of a movie, or music.
One of the simple things they could do immediately, and it wouldn't cost a whole lot of money, is to light up the marquee at night. Especially on the weekends. It's quite a site to see it all lit up at night.
Rovene might also want to consider 1) renting the marquee to local companies for advertisement; 2) at least put some type of announcement on the marquee regarding financial contributions, requests for volunteers, and a number to call.
Ricky, is the Crump on the Visitor's Center tours?
In the very near future, I will be offering Crump Theatre postcards for sale. I'm saving my money (which is more or less non-existent these days) for the right paper stock. A certain amount of the proceeds generated from the sales will be donated to the restoration of the Crump. I'm hoping I can get the Visitor's Center to keep a supply on hand, as well as some other places around town.
It would be really neat if, somehow, the Crump could also incorporate its past within the Theatre itself. The Lobby could be turned into a kind of museum, with pictures, and memorabilia adorning the walls and displayed in glass cases. I know that, back in the early 1990's, Hutch Schumaker became involved in the Theatre in some way or another (he might have bought it), and, literally, truckloads of movie posters and other items were hauled out of it. I don't know what happened to all that stuff, but I bet some of it is around somewhere (Hutch?). Once the interior was in order, admission could be charged, accompanied with a guided tour (I'd love to be a tour guide! ;D)
Although I have devoted a portion of the Historic Columbus Indiana website strictly to the Crump, it wouldn't hurt to update the page, provide a secure link for financial contributions, schedules for events, and information regarding what work has been accomplished, and what any future plans and goals are, complete with timelines.
If you do a search for "Crump Theatre" on Google, my Historic Columbus Indiana website comes up at number 3 (with a bullet!). It's sad to note that, although the Heritage Fund has their own website (and is the major organization responsible for the Crump), not a word regarding the Crump is mentioned anywhere.
It's going to be a long time coming, but I honestly feel the Crump will, one day, be restored the way it should be...
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on May 10, 2005 5:52:29 GMT -5
The Crump is not exactly a featured part of the tour but the bus quickly passes that corner so I always make a point to quickly mention its history and our ongoing but slow renovation attempts. When I give a Saturday afternoon tour or a walking tour I get a chance to spend more time talking about it. Every tour is a bit different depending on the tour guide involved and our own interests and motivations. I try to talk equally about historic preservation as well as the modern architecture. I love both.
I like your postcard idea. Did you see the postcard reprints the Columbus Philharmonic did as a fundraiser this year? The Visitors Center sold those and all proceeds went directly to the Symphony so they would probably be willing to give up some counter space for a Crump fundraiser.
What I'd like to see is the Columbus City Band, the Columbus Symphony, the Columbus Philharmonic and the Mill Race Players sponsor at least one event each there as a fundraiser and eventually make it a home base for their performances.
I didn't know that John Mellencamp did one of his early concerts there. He would perhaps be willing to help if one could get his attention. He has multiple folks daily asking him to do very similar things aroung the country.
The Crump will be restored one day for sure. I just wish we could speed it up.
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Post by David Sechrest on May 10, 2005 23:50:36 GMT -5
Margo, I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but as per your request, I created a Thread (folder) for the Rio Theatre. I look forward to reading your memories, as well as others on this board!
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 9, 2005 13:11:03 GMT -5
On April 29th, Ricky wrote: "Does anyone know exactly what year the Crump took on its present day Art Deco front facade? I see years in different places ranging from 1931 to 1941. Did it go from the original arched top facade to the art deco look or were there several changes to the front?"
Ricky, while I was up at the VA hospital last week, I took along some reading material, consisting of some old xeroxed newspaper articles I'd pulled from the library years ago.
Around the time that the contest was held to rename the Crump (1934), Will Marsh, local newspaper columnist and author of I Discover Columbus, penned an article for the Evening Republican. (if you need to refer to the date of the article, please see the Crump Theatre link on the welcome page).
In the article, Will Marsh says "the original building had three arched panels at the top, with one word of the name in each. This was lost when the place was remodeled 15 years ago and went stucco..."
The date of this article was sometime in 1934, which means that the original face was lost during the renovation of 1920. This renovation is discussed in the Evening Republican, dated February 3, 1920, on the front page.
While Will Marsh was not necessarily accurate in all of his accounts regarding Columbus Indiana history, I have no reason to doubt that his statement is untrue.
It goes without saying that there were many renovations of the Crump to "keep up with the times." For example, there was a renovation of the interior in 1903 that's not mentioned anywhere in the original timeline.
I believe that, all this time, the marquee is what was changed in 1935 and 1941, and not the exterior, art deco look. However, I do believe that the vitrolite glass was added in 1941...
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Post by David Sechrest on Aug 9, 2005 15:27:44 GMT -5
For those of you who may be interested, I've updated the Crump Theatre article on the website. You can see the updated page by clicking on the Crump Theatre link on the Welcome Page, or by clicking here: www.historiccolumbusindiana.org/jscrump.htm
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 28, 2006 9:33:48 GMT -5
Last year, I started a Thread (Folder) entitled "Haunted Columbus." After a few weeks, I deleted the thread and now I wish I would have kept in on here (I'm good at doing things like that!) Growing up in Columbus, as Will Marsh stated in his book I Discover Columbus, there is always a haunted house in every town, and we sure had our own. Some we labeled haunted just because they looked that way, and others around Columbus had some sort of sad tale associated with the presence of earth-bound spirits locked in our world. One of the places that was in our rumor mill as kids was the Crump Theatre. Stories abounded within our group how the Crump was haunted, and the spirit of some poor soul was still locked within those walls. Yesterday, I received an email from Greg Wilson. It reads as follows: Hello Mr. Sechrest, My name is Greg Wilson and I am a member of the Hoosier Paranormal Team located in Columbus. A few weeks ago we had the honor of investigating the Crump Theater for paranormal activity. We met with Rovene Quigley today to present our findings to her and she wanted us to forward the findings to you. I have attached the report we have written regarding the findings and also an audio clip and digital picture. The picture is of an orb taken in the upper balcony area. The audio clip was also taken in the upper balcony area. If you listen closely at the end of the audio you will hear a male voice whispering. This is called an EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) which was recorded with a digital voice recorder. We could not hear the voice at the time it was recording but when we went over our evidence we found it on the recorder. We feel there is at least one spirit occupying the Crump Theater. You can also view the results at our website www.hoosierparanormal.com. Greg Wilson You can see the picture of the orb by clicking on the link above, as well as listening to the sound clip that was recorded that night. Thanks to both Greg and Rovene Quigley for ensuring I received this information!
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RER
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"Democracy & Freedom"
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Post by RER on Apr 17, 2007 14:32:27 GMT -5
Crump Theater Indoors Year 1889 through 2007 (118 Years Old)In 1889 the Crump Theater on 3rd Street was completeSecond Floor Men's and Ladies Rooms Entrances. The Mural Pictures Are Still On Walls and Sitting Couches on Right. Third Floor Balcony Projector Room of Old abandoned Projector Cameras of Past Laying on Floor Area. Below Stage Opera Dressing Rooms of Long Ago. Left Dressing Area & Right Old Ventilation Screen. Comment: The theater tour April 14, 2007 was dark and we carried flashlights. Most of my pictures didn't take in the dark. The main seating areas down stairs has the original wooden floors and the VIP box areas are still encased in the walls before the stag. The seats are all installed and the concession stand near the ticket booth up front is still waiting for people to order popcorn and sodas. I thank Ricky Berkey and Rovene Quigley for leading the tour of the Crump Theater.History Pictures Go Here:www.historiccolumbusindiana.org/jscrump.htmBob
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Apr 17, 2007 20:22:14 GMT -5
I hope this works.......... I thought I had posted my photos of the Crump interior, but I guess not. These are photos I took in October of 2002 when we first began cleanup of the theater. I can't believe it's been that long. We had it cleaned up very well for a premier showing of a documentary fundraiser. Check out how nice the lobby looked. Let's start outside the front door. Enter in through the doors... ...into the lobby Looking at the stage from the balcony. Notice those 3 black rectangles. Here is what was IN those rectangles. They looked like nothing but BLACK silhouettes....but wait! I took some of them down, brought them home, and cleaned them! This one has blue plastic behind it so you can see detail. Wish we could find out who painted them! Up to the second floor. This is the wonderful art deco light in the ceiling. Rovene and I carefully took it down, cleaned it, and put it back up. On to the stage. These wonderful old poster cut-outs are glued to the upper walls back on the stage. They appear to be old time actors who perhaps preformed vaudeville at the Crump?? Too bad they will soon be falling on the floor...if they haven't already. Finally, here is shot of the wonderful marquee. It is a sight to behold when it is turned on at night.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 18, 2007 20:04:56 GMT -5
Ref. Rhonda's Year 2002 Pictures of Crump
My brother in Florida had these comments:
"The pictures from Rhonda are wonderful. They show the Art Deco era of our culture. They sometimes were called the Flapper Days. Some may be valuable from an art collector standpoint. Even the light fixture is Art Deco. It is amazing they are in such good shape. These items are rare in my mind. The Crump floor marble is also Art Deco. All items should be preserved and shown to the public.
I am knowledgeable somewhat after over 20 years of dealing in antiques in Florida. These items are sure treasures. Some of the pictures I remember as a young boy in the 1940s. The Crump Theater is as much a treasure as the architectural tour of Columbus. The City of Columbus should help restore the Crump. I am amazed it still stands with the age and history. If possible the side balconies should be reopened."
Bob's Brother
My Comment: None of the Art Deco was in the Crump Theater (to my knowledge) during the tour April 14, 2007. Does anyone know where it went or what ?
Bob
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Rhonda
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Post by Rhonda on Apr 18, 2007 20:46:03 GMT -5
Bob, The "Crump" terrazzo "floor" is actually outside the theater under the ticket booth. You would stand on it if you were buying tickets. I'm sure it's still there. If that deco-style light is gone, I will be very sad, though it wouldn't surprise me. The punk/hard rock groups that play in the theater today are hard on the place...in my opinion. The silhouettes I took home and cleaned are supposed to be locked up in a closet upstairs. I only had two of them...out of the 6 that were originally in there. The other 4 got very damaged by the kids jumping through them. I literally cried the day I took the two best ones back to the theater. I feel they will never be replaced in any kind of good condition.
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 18, 2007 20:59:21 GMT -5
Hi Rhonda,
I was aware of the placement of the marble Crump name. I stood on that piece many times as a small boy and later teenager. Those items you showed could be worth more than people realize. The rock bands should pay for the damage if they were damaged. If they are still in the theater they could possibly be restored, re-bent or fixed. It is a shame that the old items are not being protected and damaged. The pictures posted on the lumber boards are fantastic and hopefully not damaged further. The owners of the theater might want to secure many things before more destruction, or things come up missing. It is none of my business but it is history here being destroyed and damaged the way it sounds. Thanks Rhonda for the information. I live distanced to help on anything, but I would talk to someone about many items if I lived in Columbus.
Bob
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Apr 18, 2007 21:01:16 GMT -5
Those art deco screens have been taken down...hopefully they are in safe keeping. I never saw them looking so good or backlit. That light fixture is still there as is the deco floor in the entry way. Sadly, the theatre is in an unfortunate holding pattern right now. Its been saved from the wrecking ball (several times) and is safe and dry from the weather. The marquee was largely restored to it's art deco era but the front of the building still has major issues and of course the interior is in need of much work. This is work just that cannot be done by amateurs. It will require a considerable chunk of change to do a proper restoration and it's not even on any current agenda. It on the downtown plan as part of the "entertainment district". It needs a "savior" with a commitment and a lot of money. The "kids" who are the main customers right now for the many rock shows being booked have not been kind to the old girl. A small minority has caused a lot of senseless damage and vandalism. In their favor...the Crump is being used and hopefully they will grow up soon with there own memories and a commitment to fully refurbish the building allow the next generation a chance to experience this historic building. Ricky Ref. Rhonda's Year 2002 Pictures of CrumpMy brother in Florida had these comments:"The pictures from Rhonda are wonderful. They show the Art Deco era of our culture. They sometimes were called the Flapper Days. Some may be valuable from an art collector standpoint. Even the light fixture is Art Deco. It is amazing they are in such good shape. These items are rare in my mind. The Crump floor marble is also Art Deco. All items should be preserved and shown to the public. I am knowledgeable somewhat after over 20 years of dealing in antiques in Florida. These items are sure treasures. Some of the pictures I remember as a young boy in the 1940s. The Crump Theater is as much a treasure as the architectural tour of Columbus. The City of Columbus should help restore the Crump. I am amazed it still stands with the age and history. If possible the side balconies should be reopened." Bob's Brother My Comment: None of the Art Deco was in the Crump Theater (to my knowledge) during the tour April 14, 2007. Does anyone know where it went or what ? Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 18, 2007 21:14:09 GMT -5
Hi Ricky,
Thank you for the tour Saturday and I was rushing because at 1:00 PM the Barbershop Singers were on and I ran out the door. I didn't get to spend much time in the Crump because I love Barbershop music. I appreciate what you just said about the repair cost and Crump destruction. It may take several million dollars to restore the Crump to the level of attractive usage by the public. The history would be the draw and the money spent would be returned with quality performances of plays, group singers and many other things I can think of here.
Anyway, I hope someday they will refurbish the Crump and save her from the wrecking ball. Thanks Again!
Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 19, 2007 21:24:30 GMT -5
Crump Theater 2nd Floor Lounge Near Men's & Ladies Powder Room Picture was taken April 14, 2007 during tourMural pictures remain on walls on both sides on this room area as well as the carpets.Wooden Seats All The Way To The Top 3rd Floor Balcony Dating the theater these wooden seats may have been at one time examples of the seats available in the beginning. They could have been called the "cheap seats" for less of a price. Also, the performers of operas etc. may have departed the stage and sat on these to view the remaining parts of shows and presentations.Bob
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RER
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Post by RER on Apr 21, 2007 20:06:41 GMT -5
Crump Theater Tour April 14, 2007 By Rovene QuigleyRovene Quigley (wearing hat) the "host of the ghost" leads a small group throughout the Crump Theater. Rovene shows a more up to date camera and explains the fire trapping in the projector room. The room was designed to seal off the room; but the projector crew inside would be trapped because of the design of the sensors. A steel door was sealed and the crew could not escape, but the theater could evacuate if a fire broke out in the projector room.. Old Movie Projectors On FloorJunk Support Parts In Projector Room and Wooden "Cheap Seats" Outside Projector Room Door. Two Pictures From 3rd Floor Balcony Seats Toward The Stage. Bob
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