To my knowledge, the Rodgers here in Anna has no connection with your theatre in NC. Isaac Walter Rodgers owned this theatre along with about 5 others spread out between IL, MO, and KY. I found another theatre named Rodgers in/near Mattoon IL but later found it was named after Will Rodgers. I recently found the married name of Isaac’s granddaughter so I will soon be trying to track her down for more information on the family and their chain of theatres.
As far as a local group to help with the preservation, you would be hard pressed to find it. We have two groups here in town. One is the Union County Historical Society which isn’t very large and all of their time, money, and energy are going into restoring the DuBois building in Cobden to use as a museum. The other is the P.A.S.T organization which is in the same boat except with St.Annes church in Anna. Our theatre’s demise can be attributed to previous owners, lack of available money, and most of all lack of community support. Most people here would rather spend more money on the local high school football team than a building of historical and cultural significance.
This theatre can still be saved! I have a copy of the structural engineers report that states the building isnt going to fall over like the city is claiming. The roof needs to be fixed (which nobody is arguing) and the front corner of the building needs to be repaired where they city damaged it during demolition of the adjacent building. I am working with the Illinois Landmarks Council and the Lt. Gov’s office to try and save our theatre.
Melders- Please email me at .il.us It seems like you are local and could be a great help to our movement.
Please write the city of Anna and let them know how important this theatre is. I.W. Rodgers was listed in a December 16th, 1922 magazine called Moving Picture World as one of the top three most important pioneers in the movie theatre business. This is one of the last two surviving Rodgers Theatres and because of a neighboring bar and funeral home pulling the strings on the city council, the theater needs your help now more than ever. Please email me if you have any questions at .il.us
City of Anna
Mayor Steve Hartline
103 Market St
Anna, IL 62906
To my knowledge, the Rodgers here in Anna has no connection with your theatre in NC. Isaac Walter Rodgers owned this theatre along with about 5 others spread out between IL, MO, and KY. I found another theatre named Rodgers in/near Mattoon IL but later found it was named after Will Rodgers. I recently found the married name of Isaac’s granddaughter so I will soon be trying to track her down for more information on the family and their chain of theatres.
As far as a local group to help with the preservation, you would be hard pressed to find it. We have two groups here in town. One is the Union County Historical Society which isn’t very large and all of their time, money, and energy are going into restoring the DuBois building in Cobden to use as a museum. The other is the P.A.S.T organization which is in the same boat except with St.Annes church in Anna. Our theatre’s demise can be attributed to previous owners, lack of available money, and most of all lack of community support. Most people here would rather spend more money on the local high school football team than a building of historical and cultural significance.
This theatre can still be saved! I have a copy of the structural engineers report that states the building isnt going to fall over like the city is claiming. The roof needs to be fixed (which nobody is arguing) and the front corner of the building needs to be repaired where they city damaged it during demolition of the adjacent building. I am working with the Illinois Landmarks Council and the Lt. Gov’s office to try and save our theatre.
Melders- Please email me at .il.us It seems like you are local and could be a great help to our movement.
Please write the city of Anna and let them know how important this theatre is. I.W. Rodgers was listed in a December 16th, 1922 magazine called Moving Picture World as one of the top three most important pioneers in the movie theatre business. This is one of the last two surviving Rodgers Theatres and because of a neighboring bar and funeral home pulling the strings on the city council, the theater needs your help now more than ever. Please email me if you have any questions at .il.us
City of Anna
Mayor Steve Hartline
103 Market St
Anna, IL 62906