The Restoration of the Reeves Theater in Elkin, North Carolina

E lkin, North Carolina is comfortably couched in a scenic setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The community has a charming allure that is a drawing card for residents, as well as, visitors. People travel from all around to enjoy the festivals and wineries in the area.

The Reeves Theater was ideally located in the lovely downtown area of Elkin. It was a major entertainment draw that opened its doors in 1941 and was in full operation until 1973. Unfortunately, the wraths of nature, in the form of a storm in 1994 caused the theater to have to be indefinitely closed. Genuine interest from fellow community residents resulted in a purchase. The Tri-County Citizens Foundation (501-C-3) received the ownership that was deeded to them in 1999. The Reeves Restoration Board was started in 2007 in hopes of being able to return it to a viable setting once again. The hopes are that it can be an interesting allure for activities and entertainment once again for the town.

Their innate desire is to restore the theater to a viable, substantive place once again and create more memories. This would hopefully offer delight for the community on a broad scale basis for all ages. It could be a facility where movies can once again be enjoyed. Small stage productions could be performed by community kids to demonstrate their natural talents. All age groups can enjoy an education in the underlying culture, history and the performing arts of the community. It can also offer a place for meetings to transpire. The renovation and restoration will benefit the economy of the area by offering business opportunities for necessary sustainment of jobs. It will, in turn, generate more business for local shop owners in the downtown area.

Robin Turner, a co-chair, for the organization expressed the unending desire for the good of the community by saying, "The goal for this year is to complete the facade renovation and we are very close financially to getting started. By the end of the year, the lights will be on again to the original 1940's art deco glory. The renovation is moving forward, the economy has slowed down the process but we have not lost sight of the goal."

Worthwhile efforts are continually being sought to aid in this important project. The National Trust for Historic Preservation chose the Reeves Theater Restoration Project was chosen for their "This Place Matters" grant. They were one out of three that were chosen in North Carolina which is indicative of its underlying importance. There will be three chosen winners that will obtain $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000. A voting system is in play to establish the amount distributed. It is all based on the number of votes received by individuals who are interested in making this restoration take place, rather than the final tally of votes. If you would like to see this project come to fruition, please vote by visiting before midnight on June 30th: http://www.preservationnation.org/communitychallenge. It will be a worthwhile investment for a town with a history of great merit...a community treasure!