Work on the marquee at the historic Rodgers Theatre started Thursday with the letter 'S' still missing from the iconic tower in downtown Poplar Bluff.
At more than 2 feet tall, the 'S' was removed recently to be refurbished and feature long-lasting LED bulbs. It's the latest step to restore the 69-year-old building.
Volunteers gathered last month for the site's first cleanup day in recent memory to dig through the dust in an attempt to salvage what remnants from the past remained inside the former movie house, said Rodgers Theatre Inc. President Wally Duncan.
Among the rediscovered items were movie posters, film reels and other memorabilia, Duncan said. There was also a lot of dust and dirt which was swept up and disposed of.
RTI Board Member Kayla McArthy said "some great nostaligic pieces" were found and have potential for restoration.
Duncan spent most of his time outside working with a pair of youngsters on the ticket booth, he said. He, along with Boy Scouts David McKuin and Darius Sagharichi, hauled away wheelbarrows full of rubbish from the confines of the enclosed space.
Inside, Duncan said, RTI board members and volunteers mopped the aisles of the auditorium and scraped windows, specifically those of the cry room, which had been covered in black paint some time ago.
Duncan said he was impressed with the community's dedication to getting the theater in order, especially from young people such as Derek and Rene Sisk who stayed late scraping the windows, along with Aaron Taylor who cleaned out the chimney.
Duncan said behind the scenes, progress continues on the restoration project. The letter 'S' had been temporarily removed from the tower and professionally restored by Joey Githens.
Duncan said the RTI board is considering seeking the public's involvement in the letter restoration project by selling sponsorships in an effort to bring the tower back to life.
Nothing final has yet been determined regarding the sponsorships, Duncan added. The board is also exploring a means of restoring the tower on which the letters hang. Duncan said it is likely the tower will have to be removed and worked on off-site.
The Historic Rodgers Theatre also is serving as host to McArthy's social paint night called Creative Canvas.
Held monthly in the former drug store near the theater's front entrance, McArthy said the guided painting experience lasts around two hours and includes a canvas, paint and hors d'ouevres. The cost to attend is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Proceeds benefit the theater's restoration efforts.
The next Creative Canvas session will be held at 7 p.m. tonight.
Duncan said country singer Narvel Felts is slated to perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 2.
Other June events include the Stage Company's production of the family-friendly "Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook" on June 15-16 and June 22-24. Times vary by performance.
The Second Annual Restore the Rodgers Fundraising Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 14 at the Black River Coliseum. This year's theme is Hollywood Glamour. McArthy said she has been prepping for the banquet to ensure an organized and fun event.
Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.
For more information about upcoming events or to get involved with Rodgers Theatre Inc., visit the organization's website at www.rodgerstheatre.org or contact Duncan at 573-785-0699.