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Coleman Theatre in Miami Oklahoma
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(c) Coleman Theatre
The Coleman Theatre opened on April 18, 1929, all gilt and gorgeous. Built by George Coleman, Sr. who made his money through mining, it was a vaudeville theatre and movie palace designed to dazzle with opulence.
Despite its less than optimum timing – that year the stock market crashed and took the economy of the country with it – the Coleman has never been shuttered..
But it had fallen on tough times and spiraled down along with economy. In 1989 the Coleman family donated the historic structure to the City of Miami and the tiny city mobilized.
Today it is a fully restored beautiful example of what a community can do to save its priceless history -- from the city government supporting it with free utilities to the people of the community providing in-kind donations of labor, carpentry, electrical services, painting and fund raising.
As a result of their efforts the historic Wurlitzer pipe organ has been returned to its original home and the magnificent chandelier graces the theatre's main ceiling.
Dedicated volunteers provide fascinating tours of history of the theater, the efforts to rebuild from a derelict hulk, and charming insights including why one of the statues by the grand staircase has been polished by hundreds of rubs. You can also attend a live performance.
For more information visit Coleman Theatre.org
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(c) Neala Schwartzberg, all rights reserved
For a fascinating look at the theatre and its restoration enjoy this video
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