The public is invited to visit the Iola Theatre and see the progress of its restoration this weekend. Tours will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free refreshments will be provided. They will also have a booth at the Day of Giving on Saturday for people to learn more about the project.
Jim Smith, who is spearheading the restoration project with David Toland, said the tours will give people an opportunity to see what’s been done so far, ask questions and learn more about their plans for the theater.
The project is a daunting task, not unlike the one faced by those who restored the Granada Theatre in Emporia. Water leaked for years, damaging the plaster walls inside. Smith said so far they have been focusing on “gutting” the interior to reveal the original walls.
“We knew how bad it was going to be,” he said. “Nothing’s been a surprise.”
Despite the long road ahead of them, Smith said restoring the theater will be a great benefit for the community.
“We just need to save our history,” he said. “We’ve lost too much of our history.”
Like many other members of the community, Smith said he has many fond memories of the theater from his childhood. Childrens’ shows and Saturday matinees used to draw children from all over the community, leaving the sidewalk packed with bicycles.
“Lots of people had their first date there,” he said. “There’s a lot of memories there for a lot of people.”
Smith said they have been reaching out to the community to find any old photos of the theater. They would especially love to find interior photos, if anyone has them. Donations to help the restoration of the theater can be made to Allen County Community Foundation. For updates or to contact them with questions, please visit the Iola Theatre Restoration page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IolaTheater/
