Historic Rodgers Theatre enthusiasts and supporters filled the Black River Coliseum Thursday evening to celebrate the restoration project of the historical landmark.
"We took the tower down about a month ago and we are in the process of trying to get it restored first and then go from there," Rodgers Theatre, Inc. President Wally Duncan said. "We want to show people progress is being made."
A step of that progress was on display to the crowd of over 300 people during the second annual Restore the Rodgers Banquet.
The "R" from the tower sat to the left of the stage displaying 69 years of wear and tear. The "S" was on display as well, but looked a little different.
With the flip of a switch, the "S" illuminated, fully restored by Joey Githens with red light bulbs.
"The goal is to get all the letters done," Duncan said.
To help make the letter restoration portion of the project possible, businesses or individuals have the opportunity to sponsor a letter for $2,500.
"This is something commemorative and everyone would see," Duncan added, with a letter sponsorship sold during the event.
Ben Traxel was recognized for his service to the Rodgers Theatre board with a plaque presented by Duncan. Traxel resigned from the board after moving to Cape Girardeau.
Attendees were treated to a video from the removal of the tower, which took two days and a dozen workers to accomplish. Chris Halcumb and his crew took the tower down while JML Construction and Brian Gargac operated the crane.
Rodgers Theatre, Inc. Vice President Rusty Van Praag explained the tower is made of corrugated glass and lit from the inside. Over the years, he said, some of the glass broke.
"Our vision is to bring (the tower) back like it use to be," he said. "This is a process. Phase one was taking the tower down and phase two is consulting with glass manufacturers."
Marjorie Rushin then shared some of her memories from the Rodgers Theatre and its history.
"I am very passionate about the restoration of the historical Rodgers Theatre," she said. "It's such a landmark we want to preserve."
Rushin jumped into the restoration effort by sending donation letters to her classmates.
She said the response was "overwhelming" and $2,500 was raised right away with more following.
Rushin shared the Historic Rodgers Theatre opened June 1, 1949, showing the movie "Red Canyon." A ribbon cutting was held, music was played by the Poplar Bluff Municipal Band and a dedication to the city mayor, E.W. Robinson, was made in front of 1,800 people. Robinson also bought the first ticket to the show.
The "Hollywood Glam" evening concluded with a live and silent auction.
Raffle tickets are still being sold for an oil painting of the Rodgers Theatre by Steve Whitworth for $20 each or six for $100. The raffle will be held Aug. 14.
According to Duncan, the evening went "great" and quite a bit of money was raised for the Rodgers Theatre restoration effort.
"We could not do what we are doing without the community of Poplar Bluff," Duncan said. "Thank you to the community for making this event very successful."