Many things happening at the Latonia. Much work to do!! May and June every Friday night is “Live” at the Latonia night. Some great entertainment, regional promotion, giveways in the historical Latonia tradition… Working hard to support the community and raise funds for this great project. Visit www.thelatonia.com for more. Also, see our videos on www.youtube.com/thelatonia Look forward to seeing all of you this summer for many events.
The Grand Opening was fabulous! The evening kicked off with a Venango Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer – the biggest mixer in the Chamber’s history. It was a “celebrate great things in the region” night with 16 organizations around the room with displays highlighting their projects. As we cut the ribbon, the house lights went off and the chandelier lit up for the first time in decades! We had our first concert the next weekend and are working a schedule of events. Meanwhile, private bookings are underway.
It’s been a while since I posted news. SO MUCH has happened and continues… The film festival was reported as a great success! And next year it will be held Saturday September 15th at the Latonia. It is a Venango County event and the festival will open in Emlenton at the Crawford Center on Friday, then the Latonia on Saturday and end at the Barrow Civic Theatre in Franklin on Sunday.
Last night our local Glenda group held a World Aides Day event in the ballroom with skits, readings and music. It was great to have them here!
Work continues on the ballroom. Plaster repair and painting – preparing the floors and the stairs for carpet – new doors and windows are scheduled for installation within the next two weeks – the carpet arrives early January…. The biggest news is that theatre seats are now in place in the balcony. Youth from Oil City’s South Side Association helped bring them from Warren Ohio to the Latonia. We so appreciate their support along with many others in the community who have offered so much.
THE GRAND OPENING of the Ballroom is set for February 1. The Latonia is REBORN!
I made a typo it’s www.joannwheelerfineart.com Thanks Patsy.
The film festival committee has reviewed most of the films and there’s a great selection! Some funny, some enlightening, some uplifting. There will be video workshops all day Nov 3, followed by showing of the short films from 7 to 9pm. It seems most appropriate that the first big event here is a film festival. The room is still a diamond in the rough but work continues and we’re opening the doors.
Our schedule is growing even as work continues on the building! November 3rd the Latonia will be hosting day 2 of the first Venango County Film Festival. See festival details at www.joyannwheelerfineart.com/vdfa/index.html
We continue to give tours of the building sharing its history along with our vision. A few have been combined with a catered luncheon.
What’s surprising everyone most of all is the accoutic engineering of that great room! If you have never experienced singing under a “whisper dome” ceiling, it’s a real treat. The reverb is astounding. As an accoustical expert explained, the dome acts like a huge parabolic microphone – focusing the sound. The curved walls with the bumps. diffuse the sound throughout the room and carry it easily into the entire balcony area with NO amplification. When this theatre was built – 50 watts was state of the art amplification for “talkies”. And it was built to support live performances – thus, the three floors of stage rooms. We’ve had several musicians from outside the area in the room and they have been awed as have we in hearing them.
A paint party is scheduled – October 20 9am to ? which will be locally promoted. Latonia Tours are planned for October 27 followed by a wine & cheeze social.
So, within a month the doors are wide open. It’s great fun to share this treasure!
– Linda and Rox
What a wonderful turnout for the Latonia Tours July 19, during the Oil Heritage Festival!!! Hundreds of people came during the short two hours, sharing memories, offering suggestions and support for the Latonia’s rebirth. Visitors reading this – THANK YOU! Hats off to our Venango Chamber of Commerce for all their efforts in organizing the festival. Our tour began with a slide show containing vintage photos of the building of the theatre, the new close up photos linked above by my brother Mike, and sharing our vision for the Latonia’s future. The we visited the stage rooms, up to the mezzanine and the “ballroom”. We heard so many great stories. And a super bonus – we were asked that night to do a special tour for the Studebaker driving club on Saturday. Today they came and hope they enjoyed their visit as much as we enjoyed having them here! Mike should be posting a pic soon with vintage Studebaker’s parked out front. And yes, Patsy we do plan to restore and replace the vintage wall fixtures. We believe we’ve found an intact example of each. Another note – Roxy was at auctions the last few days which included original Latonia items that are coming home. Many thanks to kind souls at the auction who ensured they return.
Patsy, it would be great to see you again. The other day a friend brought in a different picture of the marquee. We’ll have it on display on tour day. Hope to have a few friends playing in the room that night as well so everyone can experience the sound. I’m in awe of it. Can’t wait to get the carpeting in and have a full performance there. They just don’t make halls like this anymore and I truely believe now that this is the greatest treasure of the building – even with the alterations of the building.
Work continues at the Latonia along with much fun. Every Tuesday evening 6:30 to 9 pm, we’re having very informal Accoutic Jams. The greatest hidden treasure of the building is the sound in the Ballroom. Come “hear the room”.
Tours of the building will be conducted during Oil Heritage week – Thursday July 19, 6 – 8pm. We’ll share what we have learned about the building, show what has been done in the last few months, and share our vision for the future.
Hope to see some of you there.
Linda and Rox
Indiana – we do know where the panel is for the chandelier and have had it lit up, though more than half the light bulbs are apparently burnt out. We would like to have an expert look at it soon.
Our days are spinning by quickly with continued visits and calls. Now that nearly all the clutter and depris are gone, years of dust remains – a seemingly endless task. Meanwhile, a new store will be opening this month on the first floor, joining the four current businesses we are fortunate to have at the Latonia.
The next week or so, we’ll be removing old carpet along the edges of the ballroom and the mezzanine area in preparation for new carpet. We already have several events booked for the ballroom and have several others interested. So, we have great motivation to stay on target for a September opening. Details, details, details….
Patsy – Rox will be in touch. As the full time manager, she has been working non-stop.
Thank you all for your interest. I hope you enjoy Mike’s pics.
Linda
An update about the Bring your own broom day: Big thanks to all volunteers – Patsy, you and Bill are wonderful. By the end of the day, more than 30 people – old friends and new – helped. Other than this site, it was not publicized – just word of mouth and private invitation. The job was huge. Most impressive is that the momentum continued through the week. Anyone present Saturday would be impressed to see the building one week later – nearly all the junk is gone. We are so very pleased. Truman – Rox will be in touch. We are looking forward to learning more from you and hope to hear from many more people who remember past Latonia days. We have entered a new era for the Latonia. It is magic. Stay tuned for further news. Linda and Rox
Hello all. I am one of the new owners of this wonderful building. Happily reading your blog. We’re very excited about preserving and revitalizing this historic landmark. I could write pages about the building and will soon – watch for www.thelatonia.com where we’ll be posting history and documenting our progress. In the past month we have been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support in the community. While this is a private investment, we are very aware of the meaning the Latonia has to those who remember its grander days and who appreciate historic theatres and archetecture. It’s a huge project and we cannot do it alone. We have big dreams and small pockets. Please join us if you can, on May 19th 9am to ??? as we are inviting friends and family for a BYOB – that is – Bring Your Own Broom to clear away years of dust and debris. If you play an instrument, sing, or like to tap along – stay for the celebration in the “ballroom” under the chandelier. Our number is 814-677-1260. Roxanne is in the building everyday and would be happy to show you around. Please spread the word and most of all – Join Us! Linda
Many things happening at the Latonia. Much work to do!! May and June every Friday night is “Live” at the Latonia night. Some great entertainment, regional promotion, giveways in the historical Latonia tradition… Working hard to support the community and raise funds for this great project. Visit www.thelatonia.com for more. Also, see our videos on www.youtube.com/thelatonia Look forward to seeing all of you this summer for many events.
The Grand Opening was fabulous! The evening kicked off with a Venango Area Chamber of Commerce Mixer – the biggest mixer in the Chamber’s history. It was a “celebrate great things in the region” night with 16 organizations around the room with displays highlighting their projects. As we cut the ribbon, the house lights went off and the chandelier lit up for the first time in decades! We had our first concert the next weekend and are working a schedule of events. Meanwhile, private bookings are underway.
It’s been a while since I posted news. SO MUCH has happened and continues… The film festival was reported as a great success! And next year it will be held Saturday September 15th at the Latonia. It is a Venango County event and the festival will open in Emlenton at the Crawford Center on Friday, then the Latonia on Saturday and end at the Barrow Civic Theatre in Franklin on Sunday.
Last night our local Glenda group held a World Aides Day event in the ballroom with skits, readings and music. It was great to have them here!
Work continues on the ballroom. Plaster repair and painting – preparing the floors and the stairs for carpet – new doors and windows are scheduled for installation within the next two weeks – the carpet arrives early January…. The biggest news is that theatre seats are now in place in the balcony. Youth from Oil City’s South Side Association helped bring them from Warren Ohio to the Latonia. We so appreciate their support along with many others in the community who have offered so much.
THE GRAND OPENING of the Ballroom is set for February 1. The Latonia is REBORN!
I made a typo it’s www.joannwheelerfineart.com Thanks Patsy.
The film festival committee has reviewed most of the films and there’s a great selection! Some funny, some enlightening, some uplifting. There will be video workshops all day Nov 3, followed by showing of the short films from 7 to 9pm. It seems most appropriate that the first big event here is a film festival. The room is still a diamond in the rough but work continues and we’re opening the doors.
Our schedule is growing even as work continues on the building! November 3rd the Latonia will be hosting day 2 of the first Venango County Film Festival. See festival details at www.joyannwheelerfineart.com/vdfa/index.html
We continue to give tours of the building sharing its history along with our vision. A few have been combined with a catered luncheon.
What’s surprising everyone most of all is the accoutic engineering of that great room! If you have never experienced singing under a “whisper dome” ceiling, it’s a real treat. The reverb is astounding. As an accoustical expert explained, the dome acts like a huge parabolic microphone – focusing the sound. The curved walls with the bumps. diffuse the sound throughout the room and carry it easily into the entire balcony area with NO amplification. When this theatre was built – 50 watts was state of the art amplification for “talkies”. And it was built to support live performances – thus, the three floors of stage rooms. We’ve had several musicians from outside the area in the room and they have been awed as have we in hearing them.
A paint party is scheduled – October 20 9am to ? which will be locally promoted. Latonia Tours are planned for October 27 followed by a wine & cheeze social.
So, within a month the doors are wide open. It’s great fun to share this treasure!
– Linda and Rox
What a wonderful turnout for the Latonia Tours July 19, during the Oil Heritage Festival!!! Hundreds of people came during the short two hours, sharing memories, offering suggestions and support for the Latonia’s rebirth. Visitors reading this – THANK YOU! Hats off to our Venango Chamber of Commerce for all their efforts in organizing the festival. Our tour began with a slide show containing vintage photos of the building of the theatre, the new close up photos linked above by my brother Mike, and sharing our vision for the Latonia’s future. The we visited the stage rooms, up to the mezzanine and the “ballroom”. We heard so many great stories. And a super bonus – we were asked that night to do a special tour for the Studebaker driving club on Saturday. Today they came and hope they enjoyed their visit as much as we enjoyed having them here! Mike should be posting a pic soon with vintage Studebaker’s parked out front. And yes, Patsy we do plan to restore and replace the vintage wall fixtures. We believe we’ve found an intact example of each. Another note – Roxy was at auctions the last few days which included original Latonia items that are coming home. Many thanks to kind souls at the auction who ensured they return.
Patsy, it would be great to see you again. The other day a friend brought in a different picture of the marquee. We’ll have it on display on tour day. Hope to have a few friends playing in the room that night as well so everyone can experience the sound. I’m in awe of it. Can’t wait to get the carpeting in and have a full performance there. They just don’t make halls like this anymore and I truely believe now that this is the greatest treasure of the building – even with the alterations of the building.
Work continues at the Latonia along with much fun. Every Tuesday evening 6:30 to 9 pm, we’re having very informal Accoutic Jams. The greatest hidden treasure of the building is the sound in the Ballroom. Come “hear the room”.
Tours of the building will be conducted during Oil Heritage week – Thursday July 19, 6 – 8pm. We’ll share what we have learned about the building, show what has been done in the last few months, and share our vision for the future.
Hope to see some of you there.
Linda and Rox
Indiana – we do know where the panel is for the chandelier and have had it lit up, though more than half the light bulbs are apparently burnt out. We would like to have an expert look at it soon.
Our days are spinning by quickly with continued visits and calls. Now that nearly all the clutter and depris are gone, years of dust remains – a seemingly endless task. Meanwhile, a new store will be opening this month on the first floor, joining the four current businesses we are fortunate to have at the Latonia.
The next week or so, we’ll be removing old carpet along the edges of the ballroom and the mezzanine area in preparation for new carpet. We already have several events booked for the ballroom and have several others interested. So, we have great motivation to stay on target for a September opening. Details, details, details….
Patsy – Rox will be in touch. As the full time manager, she has been working non-stop.
Thank you all for your interest. I hope you enjoy Mike’s pics.
Linda
An update about the Bring your own broom day: Big thanks to all volunteers – Patsy, you and Bill are wonderful. By the end of the day, more than 30 people – old friends and new – helped. Other than this site, it was not publicized – just word of mouth and private invitation. The job was huge. Most impressive is that the momentum continued through the week. Anyone present Saturday would be impressed to see the building one week later – nearly all the junk is gone. We are so very pleased. Truman – Rox will be in touch. We are looking forward to learning more from you and hope to hear from many more people who remember past Latonia days. We have entered a new era for the Latonia. It is magic. Stay tuned for further news. Linda and Rox
Hello all. I am one of the new owners of this wonderful building. Happily reading your blog. We’re very excited about preserving and revitalizing this historic landmark. I could write pages about the building and will soon – watch for www.thelatonia.com where we’ll be posting history and documenting our progress. In the past month we have been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support in the community. While this is a private investment, we are very aware of the meaning the Latonia has to those who remember its grander days and who appreciate historic theatres and archetecture. It’s a huge project and we cannot do it alone. We have big dreams and small pockets. Please join us if you can, on May 19th 9am to ??? as we are inviting friends and family for a BYOB – that is – Bring Your Own Broom to clear away years of dust and debris. If you play an instrument, sing, or like to tap along – stay for the celebration in the “ballroom” under the chandelier. Our number is 814-677-1260. Roxanne is in the building everyday and would be happy to show you around. Please spread the word and most of all – Join Us! Linda