The new year is off to an amazing start!
So many changes happening in our country and in the world. The new year is a new chance to make things better and to have a fresh beginning.
Everyone at ScrapbookDreamer.com would like to wish you and yours all the best in this exciting year ahead!
In just a few short weeks, scrapbookers will unite for a day of scrapping and cropping with friends in an effort to rejuvinate and revitalize an historic part of our downtown.
The Colonial Fox Theatre in downtown Pittsburg is in need of major repairs and you can help!

CROP DETAILS:
Date: February 8, 2009
Time: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Place: 1008 W 4th (KS Probation & Parole Office)
Cost: $10
All proceeds will go towards the renovations of the Colonial Fox Theater.
Bring a snack to share!
ScrapbookDreamer.com is proud to be a small part of the fund raising event for the Colonial Fox Theater. All credit for this huge undertaking though goes to Diana Catron who has spearheaded the event.
For more information, please contact Diana at Jaeddc@yahoo.com
You can also reach Diana at 620-231-1214.
If you would like to help or need more information about the Colonial Fox Theatre contact info@colonialfox.org
THE DAYS EVENTS:
10:00 - Unpack and settle in. (Please feel free to come when you can! We'd love to see you anytime of day!!)
11:15 - Fat Daddy's is offering a GREAT deal on lunch - $4 for Cheeseburger and Onion Rings.
You will need to let us know by 11:15 so we can get the orders placed.
The Colonial Fox Theater will be providing a tour for our group during the afternoon. Plan to join in and see what incredible Pittsburg history we are trying to restore!
RAFFLES & PRIZES:
Did I mention PRIZES??
CONTEST:
Grand Prize is a Boa! Yip, a Boa! No, not a snake!!!
Each person at the crop can create a 12x12 layout of the Colonial Fox or about the Crop for Colonial Fox. We will have a few pictures to choose from on hand or you can use one of your own of the theatre. Everyone who participates will be entered into the layout contest.
5:30 - Voting for your favorite layout will start. The winning layout will win a BOA and the top 3 will be displayed at Colonial Fox Theatre for all visitors to see the wonderful artwork you have made in an effort to restore a historic landmark.
6:00 - The raffle will start!! Tickets will be on sale throughout the day. Be sure to get plenty! The prizes are out of this world!! Thanks so much to all our donors. The Colonial Fox Theatre and its supporters appreciate it!
A LITTLE HISTORY:
Colonial Fox Theatre - Pittsburg
Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation
P.O. Box 33
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: 620.235.0622
Built just prior to the height of the traditional movie palace years (1925-1930), the Colonial Fox is Pittsburg's, and Crawford County's, only remaining theatre from this era. Between the two world wars, the Colonial Theatre, as it was called before the 1950s, was one of several theatres which anchored downtown entertainment and nightlife in the region's largest city.
On March 16, 1920, The Pittsburg Daily Headlight ran a special 8 page section to commemorate the opening of "Pittsburg's New Playhouse", which it referred to as "the largest and most modern theatre in Southeast Kansas". When the Colonial officially opened the next day, 2,000 attended the St. Patrick's Day showing of "Everywoman", an 8 reel Paramount- Artcraft feature starring Violet Heming, Theodore Roberts, and Wanda Hawley (like other theatres which aligned themselves with the motion picture studios forming in the 1920s, the Colonial was initially contracted to show Paramount-Artcraft movies). At least 1,000 had to be turned away. Most seats went for .35 that first night, but 500 sold for .50. A six piece orchestra, later a "Regular Every Day Feature at the Colonial," played a special opening night score. For the remainder of the week, the Colonial established its permanent schedule with the box office opening at 6:00 PM, the first picture beginning at 6:30, followed by vaudeville at 8:00, a second show at 8:30, and more vaudeville at 10:00. There were no matinees on opening day, but thereafter the matinee became a staple.
Although some lighting did not work and some minor details were not complete initially, the Colonial was described as having" . . . no glamour-no-glare-just that restful; peaceful and charmed feeling that comes to one when they look upon a thing to beauty". The auditorium, which retains a high degree of integrity, seated 1,200 in an innovative stadium arrangement which reflected Alexander Besse's "distinct aversion" to balconies. This configuration, in which the floor gently slopes "from the last row of seats down to the stage" assured that no patron's view was obstructed.
Behind the orchestra pit (nonexistant) the 50' by 27' stage was large enough to accommodate the traveling vaudeville shows booked out of Chicago through the Interstate Booking Agency. Air was circulated by a ventilating system consisting of air shafts and electric fans (nonexistant). At the time of the opening, The Pittsburg Daily Headlight reported that "the theatre is effectively decorated in white and blue tones". Some recall that the walls of the auditorium were covered by semi-atmospheric canvas murals, quite popular in the 1920s, and the Headlight's mention of "the scenery and curtains which were being painted. . ." indicates that they may have been the case. Although the canvas tapestries still cover the walls, it is believed the originals were either painted over, or stolen.
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The information provided in this email is from the Kansas Historic Theatre Association web site located at:
http://www.khta.com/theatrepage.cfm?ID=24
NOTES:
There are so many wonderful things happening at ScrapbookDreamer.com in 2009 and we want YOU to be a part of that too. With Monthly Contests, Crops, Challenges and of course the HUGE Savings you'll be sure to find a way to enjoy the site and all it has to offer.
Remember, we offer EVERYTHING in the store at a discount ALL of the time! There are some amazing sales going on right now too. If you are local, you can pick up your order or I can deliver it to you, there are no shipping charges! Call if you need anything. As always, I'm happy to help!
See you at the crop!
Laura & All Your Friends at ScrapbookDreamer.com




