Today we go to #21 Main Street, Porter near the corner of Bridge Street.
The Kezar Falls Theater
This building was built by Dr. Edwin R. Chellis in 1884 as a public hall called the “Meionaon”. According to the Oxford County Record Newspaper, it opened in January 1885 and its large open hardwood floor made it one of the best halls in the vicinity for roller skating, dancing and general purposes. By January 1887 a good stage was added with a drop curtain and scenery. In 1910 the Town of Porter purchased it from Dr. Chellis for a town hall. From the 1920’s Porter High School used it for school events, dances and basketball games until the Garner Gym was established in 1940/41. Roland Stanley operated the first movie theater here starting with silent films and then “talkies”. It served the community as a venue for many types of entertainment over the years.
.jpg)
The Playhouse Theater circa 1946.The Town of Porter continued to use it as a town hall until 1946 when Harry Welch of Gorham bought it from the town for $5,000 and started the “Playhouse Theater”. He allowed the town to continue holding Town Meetings here until 1978.
.jpg)
Phillip and Dottie Welch bought the theater in 1962, after his father died, and ran the movie theater until 1971. Phil then continued to use the building as a warehouse for Welch’s Discount Store until his death in 2011.
This is an interior view of the restored Kezar Falls Theater – 2024.In 2012 Silas Hagerty purchased the building, renovated it inside and out and has brought it back to its original purpose as a theater. Silas is a filmmaker and founder of “Smooth Feather Youth, Porter, Maine” a 501(c) (3) non-profit with the mission to empower youth through filmmaking. One of the organization’s programs is an immersive film school experience, where students choose a topic, create an outline, cast actors, produce and edit a film – all within one week.
(To learn more about Smooth Feather Youth visit their website.)
No comments:
Post a Comment