Page 16 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – November 2018

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who wanted the locale to provide a performing arts venue for the local community. Once
complete, the Woodward will be able to continue Woodward’s vision.
Interestingly enough, after visiting the Love Larson Opera House in Fremont, Neb.,
I realized how much it resembles the Woodward — and for good reason. The
Love Larson was built in 1888 by J.W. Love, who was born and grew up in Mount Vernon. He must have modeled the Nebraska theater
after the one from his hometown.
Complete Entertainment Venues
Why build a theater with only an auditorium when you can add other attractions as well? That must have been the thinking behind the Sandusky State Theatre, which was designed in 1928 as a complete entertainment center, with a bowling alley and billiard tables in the basement.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, the theater went through renovations in 1990. In 1995, the Golden Voiced Marvel Page Organ, which had been sold in 1961, returned to its original home in the Sandusky State Theatre.
Hardlines also has worked on this theater through the years. We were entrusted with performing exterior rehabilitation work using state and federal grant money. The theater is the home performing space for several local groups, and the public can still catch a movie and other performances there. Sadly, the bowling alley no longer operates.
Sandusky State Theatre. Photo courtesy of Hardlines Design co.
In 1995, the Golden Voiced Marvel Page Organ, which had been sold in 1961, returned to its original home in the Sandusky State Theatre.
Preserving some of the best and most unique architecture that dates to the early 20th century and even the mid-19th century — as is the case with the Woodward — and investing and saving old theaters has proven to be a wise economical move for neighborhoods and cities. For example, the rebirth of theaters, such as the Lincoln, has helped revitalize neighborhoods and spawn other new businesses.
In addition to that, it’s just plain fun to visit these old theaters, enjoy a current show, and recall the history and famous people who might have once performed there.
Charissa Durst is owner and president of Hardlines Design Co.
14 | AAA MAGAZINE
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