Thursday, September 25, 2014

Times Theater in Connersville, Indiana

What you see here is what once was:

"The Times Theater" 
Connersville, Indiana



Some of us may remember it looking like this however.
Circa: 1979-80?

There is a door to the left that would take you up to the projector room. I remember my first time venturing up there. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen in the world of film. All my life I have always written, or had a fascination with film. This is evident in multiple (unfinished) screenplays, and 2 complete works. 

Photo Courtesy of: CinemaTreasures.org



If I may, allow me to tell you a story.

The year was 1994, I am a 17 yr old goofball working at "The Times Theater". 
The movie that was playing that night: THE LION KING!
Which meant the theater was going to be PACKED to the GILLS!
"No problem Ron, you got this pal... You've never done it, your training is baptism by fire. Lets go!"
And we were off to the races.

Dozens of people are pouring in, there's an issue with the projector, I am left to sell tickets and make popcorn and snacks. I have NEVER made popcorn in a theater popcorn popper, ever, at this point in life. As a teenager the opportunity had never presented itself and I was more into guitar.
If I remember correctly, I forgot to add oil, or something. This cause the popcorn to not just BURN, but to be scorched like it had come into contact with the sun. This created a NOXIOUS smoke cloud that nearly engulfs the entry way to the theater. Plus, there is no I REPEAT, NO POPCORN for the 100 + people who just spilled in for this movie. 

This was my first night.
Fortunately I wasn't fired, the theater made a lot of money, and it was a learning experience.
The theater I had grown up going to and watching such movies as:

The Money Pit
Shocker
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Spies like us
Predator
...and many more!



The Theater looks more like this today.
This is facing north looking at what used to be the marquee.


A lot of the buildings downtown seem to contrast one another in color and decor.
Each may have its own niche in the market, but they keep the tone true to the scheme.
The three buildings in particular contrast one another quite well.
 I am not certain who restored the outside of the theater. 
Thank you, to whomever you are and if you read this, may we see the inside?
EMAIL ME: Just CLICK HERE and send me a message.



The theater is on the right, you can see the balcony (no longer blocked off).
The architecture on this building, and others, is a testament to why they have stood for so long.
On a nice sunny day, like today, you can capture all of the colors naturally.
It's always nice when equipment, nature and circumstance all cooperate.



This photograph was taken in November 2013.



Not much if anything has changed in nearly a year.
Renovating the exterior of this building was an excellent idea.
All the businesses in that area can be proud of their buildings appearance. 



What are some of your "Times Theater" memories?
I encourage everyone to go to the comment section below and leave their memories.

First Kiss?
First Fight?
First Date?
First R Rated movie?
First MOVIE?
(If so what was the movie?)

I am anxious to see what everyone has to share.




While you're out and about in Connersville, I encourage you to check out the:

Fayette County Historical Museum

 (765) 825 0946

103 Vine St
ConnersvilleFayetteIN47331-2649


(Article coming soon)


Rich with local beginnings, history, genealogy and CARS!
When you visit, ask for "Richard Stanley" and he grace you with his vast knowledge of every vehicle in the building. You will walk away knowing things that you probably didn't think you would know. It's a cool little tour, and then there is the other side of the museum. Learn about Connersvilles RICH and quite intriguing, past happenings. 


 (pictures and article to be posted here soon)



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