BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
1937 THEATRE CURTAIN SHADOW BOXES FOR SALE
For more information on donating or purchasing a framed shadow box, please call Damon Rogers at 615.591.8500 Ext. 18 or email drogers@historicfranklin.com or visit the Heritage Foundation office located inside the historic Five Points Post Office at 510 Columbia Avenue.
Due to the overwhelming response at the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County for shadow box orders of the original 1937 theatre curtain remnant, more are being framed to sell for $40. Members of the Heritage Foundation had first rights and the first batch quickly sold out!
At the beginning of the project only 40 numbered shadow boxes were to be sold as a fundraiser to save the Franklin Theatre. Executive Director Mary Pearce stated, “The response was so great that we voted to offer a 2nd Series of framed shadow boxes. To date the sold shadow boxes have raised $1,600. We are so appreciative to our Heritage Foundation members’ support, and we know there are others in the community who would love the opportunity to showcase this treasured remnant of the past. If that curtain could talk it could tell us some interesting facts about movies, people, and it could share all the fond memories within the walls of the 72-year-old theatre.”
After cleaning decades of dust and grime from the curtain, the crepe satin fabric was designed and made into an art deco gown and cape through O’More College of Design while the leftover remnants are now displayed inside shadow boxes to include the history of the theatre and a movie ticket good until 2011. Knowing there are those in Franklin who treasure the memories of the Franklin Theatre, the Heritage Foundation is selling the 2nd series of framed shadow boxes with a preserved curtain remnant for $40.
The Heritage Foundation continues the fundraising efforts as design includes a replica of the 1937 marquee, rebuilding the second floor balcony, adding 12 feet at the back of the stage for a catering kitchen and storage, and adding a second floor above what use to be the “little theatre” to house more restrooms, green room, and conference space. As President David Garrett stated, “We’ll do it once and we’ll do it right.”
Many individuals in this community have stepped forward to support the Save the Franklin Theatre project, and more financial aid is needed. Gifts of all sizes will make a big difference. Theatre seat sales are $2,500 per seat; businesses may jump on board with the purchase of a medallion star giving perpetual advertising for years to come at $25,000; and for those who want to show up at the movies when it first opens, you may buy 4 tickets for $30 good until 2011 or purchase a theatre curtain remnant shadow box for $40.
For more information on donating or purchasing a framed shadow box, please call Damon Rogers at 615.591.8500 Ext 18 or email drogers@historicfranklin.com or visit the Heritage Foundation office located inside the historic Five Points Post Office at 510 Columbia Avenue.
The Heritage Foundation is a 42 year old non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation. To learn more about the Heritage Foundation, please visit www.historicfranklin.com.