As I stood at the back of the Columbia Theatre last Saturday watching The Lettermen perform, I couldn’t help but envision what a completed restoration of the building could do for the community.
About 500 people turned out for a short performance by Sharon native Tony Butala and his singing partners.
Peering through scaffolds that tower to the ceiling, the crowd enjoyed the songs which took them back to better times.
Better times for both Sharon and the Columbia.
During the heyday of the original Lettermen — founded by Tony — in the 1960s and early ’70s, the Columbia was a booming enterprise. As a kid I remember standing in long lines, clear around the corner to buy tickets to get into movies.
I remember the special effects of the time. When they showed “House on the Haunted Hill” a skeleton extended on a wire came swooping down across the crowd. There were other shows that included costumed people scaring the audience.
I watched my old friend John Giroski box in a special ring set up in the theater. There used to be live entertainment on that big stage that packed the house with people.
When the megaplex theaters of today opened, I remember thinking how small the screens were compared to the beautiful setup at the Columbia. It thought it was a shame that my kids and grandkids couldn’t see the big screen at the Columbia.
When I toured the Columbia with Tony and Bob Crosby, head of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame which owns the Columbia, we discussed what a reopening could mean to the entire Shenango Valley.
“This could be another Branson (Mo.),” Crosby said.
I don’t know if it would be quite that big, but can you imagine shows almost every week here put on by members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame? These people, the actual owners of the theater, are legends in the music business. It would draw people from all over the country if done right.
And the spin-off would be enormous. The Hall of Fame also owns the former Phoenix Restaurant building. Tony and Bob graciously gave me a tour there as well and pointed out areas where the music memorabilia would be displayed as well as a restaurant and piano-bar area. What a great idea.
If the city would then develop along the Shenango River, with small shops, what a draw the town could become. Existing businesses such as Quaker Steak and Lube would be an even bigger attraction, as would its various events such as this weekend’s Pennsyltucky shenanigans.
I talked with Mayor Bob Lucas and council President Fred Hoffman at the Lettermen performance and both agreed that the Columbia restoration could be a linchpin for revitalizing the Downtown area.
It’s going to take cooperation of local, county and state officials to help bring in grants to help bring the historic building up to snuff. It is coming along, but there is still a lot to do. Sen. Bob Robbins could really ensure his re-election if he brought in a check for a few million dollars from the state. And Rep. Mike Gruitza could retire in style if he would help get the funding.
The first hit The Lettermen ever had was “The Way You Look Tonight” in 1961. The way the Columbia looks tonight, won’t be anything like the finished product if the funding can come through.
The City of Sharon will get a big lift as well. I join with Tony Butala in singing “I Believe” it can be done!
Herald Sports Editor Lynn Saternow writes this column each Saturday for the Opinion page.
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