Renovating a piece of history

Heather Sevigny
·4 min read

Tucked in between Theo's and Bookology on Wheeling Avenue sits a piece of Guernsey County history. The Strand Theater is the current home to the Cambridge Performing Arts Center. A large-scale effort to repair and save the theater has been taken on by its board of directors and a group of volunteers.

It's all about the theater experience

The tile walkway leading into the theater honors the buildings history, when it became The Strand in 1977, as well as home to the Cambridge Performing Arts Center.
The tile walkway leading into the theater honors the buildings history, when it became The Strand in 1977, as well as home to the Cambridge Performing Arts Center.

Imagine walking down Wheeling Avenue, and, instead of heading to a shop or the bank, you pause for a second and look down at the decorative tile in front of the brick and mustard-colored building. 'The Strand 'is spelled out in a font that somehow doesn't fit it and yet makes perfect sense.

The double doors and the gold handles reflect the streetlights as you step into the theater and head toward the original box office booth. Smacked in the face with the aroma of freshly-popped popcorn from the concession stand, original to the building, the smiling faces of volunteers behind it offer chocolates, candies, pop, and chit-chat.

The original box office still stands in the theater lobby of the historic Strand Theater in Cambridge.
The original box office still stands in the theater lobby of the historic Strand Theater in Cambridge.

The experience continues as you enter the auditorium. A stage, dark and well-loved stands before you while vintage seating is splayed neatly across the auditorium in rows. The obvious age of the chairs is reflected in the worn cushioning and faded colors. Plaques hide on the backs of some of the seats, recognizing sponsors of the past, hopeful to be replaced with new ones.

A soft yellowish-orange light drifts down from the 1920s art-deco style light sconces. The original decorative touches and wood trim on the seating surpass any noticeable imperfections and you settle down for some local entertainment. It smells like vintage fabric and tiny dust particles float through the air, illuminated by stage lights beaming from the unused balcony.

A worn plaque reading Class of 1952 adorns the tattered back of an auditorium seat at The Strand.
A worn plaque reading Class of 1952 adorns the tattered back of an auditorium seat at The Strand.

Every aspect of the building itself - the doors, lights, and seats - contributes to the theater experience. The building takes on its own personality that reflects its history and the anticipation of stories still waiting to be told inside her walls.

Three different theaters have been housed in the historic location, The Orpheum, The Avenue, and The Strand. The performing arts center found a home in the theater in 1977. Numerous shows have graced the stage, including classics such as "Mame" and "Fiddler on the Roof." Recently, CPAC showcased area talent with performances of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and children's productions including "Frozen," "The Nutcracker," and "Wonka, Jr." The theater was once a popular date night destination for John and Annie Glenn.

A complete renovation

Despite its past and current successes, the theater is badly in need of repairs. The required upkeep of such a historic building can be costly, and time has taken its toll on The Strand. The CPAC board of directors has set its sights on a top-to-bottom renovation of the theater.

Numerous leaks from a roof that needs to be replaced plague the building, sending water stains down walls, and leaks dripping onto the stage area and into one of the bathrooms. A new HVAC system is needed to regulate the heat and cooling in a cost-effective manner. The bathrooms are tiny, cramped, and in desperate need of renovation. Wiring, stage lighting, the unused balcony, plumbing ... the list goes on and on.

Water damage from the leaking roof is evident along the walls of the auditorium, requiring the blocking of adjacent seating.
Water damage from the leaking roof is evident along the walls of the auditorium, requiring the blocking of adjacent seating.

The organization was able to get a scope of the work that will be needed by local company BiCon, based out of Derwent. The scope itself cost around $10,000 and came back with an estimated full renovation cost of close to $3 million. While the number is staggering, it's consistent with the type of renovation needed. The Midland Theater in Newark underwent a massive renovation in the 90s, which took eight years and roughly $8 million dollars. The board is optimistic the project can be completed in three years, but that all depends on funding.

Raising the money

Over the course of the last nine months, the CPAC has raised $100,000 for the project. Money has come in the form of anonymous donations, a GoFundMe, and grant money. The bulk of the funding, $75,000, will come from the Paul Bruhn grant.

Coming up with the remaining funding is where the board gets creative. More grant money will be sought as it becomes available. Upcoming shows such as "Jekyll and Hyde," the summer children's production of "The Little Mermaid" and the yet-to-be-determined Christmas show should bring in needed revenue. VIP nights, raffles, and fundraisers are in the works, as well as plans to partner with local organizations to offer classes and venue rental.

The colorful entrance to the Strand Theater on Wheeling Avenue. This was once a popular date night destination for John and Annie Glenn. The theater was once the Orpheum and also the Avenue theaters. A large-scale effort to repair and save the theater has been taken on by its board of directors and a group of volunteers.
The colorful entrance to the Strand Theater on Wheeling Avenue. This was once a popular date night destination for John and Annie Glenn. The theater was once the Orpheum and also the Avenue theaters. A large-scale effort to repair and save the theater has been taken on by its board of directors and a group of volunteers.

Donations from the public will also help with the renovation. Those who wish to support The Strand in other ways can offer their time or services. Mitch Brian, one of the volunteers, said there are always opportunities for people to contribute − by being ushers at an event, helping as stagehands or with lighting. Promotion, set design, manual labor, and blue-collar tradesmen are also welcome to help at the theater.

For more information about the theater's history or the Cambridge Performing Arts Center, visit the CPAC website or call 740-785-1400. Those wishing to volunteer or make a donation can reach out to Mitch Brian or any member of the board. A list can be found on the website.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Renovating a piece of history