Childress historical theatre needs renovations
CHILDRESS -- Imagine life without a movie theatre. The folks in Childress know all too well what that's like, but they're doing something about it.
The Palace Theatre, one of Childress's only historical markers, is due for a facelift. And with a restoration project on the table the folks in Childress may once again enjoy the cinema.
"Most people that grew up in Childress the Palace Theatre was the place to go for entertainment, it just carried us to places all over the world," said Carter "Pepper" Reed, restoration committee.
Unfortunately though, the past twenty years have been cruel.
"It just tugs at my heart strings when I see this old theatre in disrepair like it is now," Reed said.
But the fat lady has not sung yet and there's a new commitment to revitalize this old treasure.
"First off, we want to bring back the fun the building had and besides the fun we want to pass on the memories we had," said John Preston, also a member of the restoration committee.
The Palace restoration committee has hosted plays, musicals and other fundraising events, but the answer may lie in the 50's.
A 1957 Chevrolet 210 to be exact.
For a $100 donation you could win the beautiful car and help restore the Palace.
"Just to have those doors open and smell the popcorn popping and the neon light on the Palace sign flashing it would be something really great," said Carter.
The restoration may take years and one to two million dollars in grant money will need to be secured but the excitement is already building.
"The whole town has been very enthusiastic about what we're doing here," said Preston.
Whether you're looking forward to future musicals, live theatre or cinema the Palace restoration project is also about preservation.
"There was a lot of history made here and we don't want to forget it," said Preston.
With the money raised, the first priorities are to: repair the ailing roof, restore the facades, and to bring the old neon Palace sign back to its vibrant self again.
For more information on you how you can win the 1957 chevrolet 210, visit www.texas-ins.com/1957chev
