The Capitol Theatre is Reborn

Just imagine! It is 1929. The stock market has just crashed – and in Chatham, construction begins on a 1,285 seat theatre designed by noted theatre architect Theodore Jagmin. What courage! Or what insanity? The Capitol Theatre first opened its doors on 11th April 1930 as a “movie palace” – one of the largest in southwestern Ontario. It continued to provide entertainment for over 60 years until finally closing in 1993.

Move on two years. Noted Canadian baritone Kevin McMillan walks his dog past the abandoned building and is moved to write a letter to the editor pleading for the Capitol to be saved. And so began a struggle which ended in front of hundreds of citizens of Chatham-Kent, MPP Pat Hoy, Mayor Randy Hope, MP Dave Van Kesteren’s representative – and Kevin McMillan in the position he has held since the 1990s of President of the Chatham Capitol Theatre Association.

McMillan paid tribute to Project Manager Bob Fox saying “without him, there would be no Capitol Theatre”. He also applauded the use of the job creation project which brought more than 300 people to work on the interior decoration of the theatre. More than 70% of them are now in full-time employment, many using skills they learned working on the building.

In a tribute to these and others involved in rescuing this gem McMillan quoted anthropologist Margaret Mead saying “Never under estimate the power of a small group of citizens to change the world”. And in an emotional plea to future generations he recalled W. B. Yeats poem “The Cloths of Heaven”:

I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

“There are not enough superlatives to describe this day” said McMillan, adding “It was an arduous birth but the baby is beautiful”.

Mayor Randy Hope emphasised that the Chatham Capitol Theatre was not only for us but also for our children and grandchildren. He urged everyone to join in supporting the Capitol. “It will bring increased prosperity to the whole community and will encourage more people to move here” he said.

Continuing the theme of financial benefits coming from the Capitol Theatre MPP Pat Hoy said it “will draw people from outside Chatham- Kent and by doing so will bring new dollars to our community”. He too gave special thanks to Bob Fox for “donating part of a lifetime” to the restoration of the building.

Although Dave Van Kesteren is abroad, he sent a message through Julian Boulanger of official congratulations in all, including volunteers, corporate and individual donors. He reminded the audience of the $25,000 funding received through Heritage Canada for the Inaugural season.

Not to be outdone, Pat Hoy remarked that” the Capitol will bring new funds to Chatham-Kent”. The provincial grant of $7million was the culmination of much fundraising and guaranteed the Capitol Theatre could reach completion. General Manager Dan Donaldson acknowledged provincial support, saying “Pay Hoy has been our champion all the way.”

Donaldson continued, “The building is now complete – but the work of my dedicated staff has just begun.”

For details on future programmes and prices go to www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com.

Marlee Robinson – marlee@ckdp.ca