Comments from MiltonSmith

Showing 101 - 106 of 106 comments

MiltonSmith
MiltonSmith commented about Lebowsky Center gutted by fire on Feb 15, 2007 at 7:22 pm

Very sad. From the looks of that fire damage, there is no way in heck to restore that building. There was a section of the brick wall that looks like it was bowing inward, probably a matter of time until it collapses in. Unfortunate and very sad.

MiltonSmith
MiltonSmith commented about Rhode Center for the Arts on Dec 8, 2006 at 2:30 pm

“Haven’t been there in while. I know the lobby is fantastic, but have they done anything with the interior – last I knew it was still "multiplexy”."

Unfortunatly its still got the same multiplex look to it. There are, bigger fish to fry, so to speak. However, on the east wall, under that multplex looking wall, is the original artwork, however, its damaged, but still there, it will be quite the sight if that can ever be uncovered again, some day perhaps, someday.

MiltonSmith
MiltonSmith commented about Kenosha Theatre on Dec 8, 2006 at 1:44 pm

Anything going on with this theatre currently?

MiltonSmith
MiltonSmith commented about Orpheum Theatre on Dec 8, 2006 at 1:32 pm

What a shame, it seems this is only being used for store fronts now. Any pics of any sort of what the inside used to look like or currently looks like? Looks like it was built by the same people that were behind building the Gateway/Lake/Rhode Opera House.

MiltonSmith
MiltonSmith on Dec 8, 2006 at 1:17 pm

Well, all the mudslinging aside. I’ve been involved with the theatre for only a few months now but what I see is a building that needs to be saved, I mean you step in that lobby and there is no way one could EVER put a price tag on it, you just can’t. Its amazing.What I see there is a core group of people dedicated to that theatre and wanting to do everything within their power to restore this building, save it and make it something the community can be proud of. Problem is, that takes a lot of time and money, especially after years of previous owners neglecting it and mutilating the interior to fit their purposes with little regard to its historical significance. No one is looking for a handout, considering it will go to a building the community can use.

Don’t worry Jim, I wouldn’t count the Rhode out yet, in fact, I have a feeling its finally turning a corner. As for your grudge you seem to have Louis, I don’t know who you are and what part you played in the past, tho, from what was stated above, you were VERY helpful. However, how things were done then, from my understanding, are NOT how they are done now.

MiltonSmith
MiltonSmith commented about Rhode Center for the Arts on Dec 8, 2006 at 12:50 pm

Oh here it is! I just submitted this theater because when I looked under the Rapp and Rapp designed theaters it wasn’t listed! From what I understand about that 6th Ave. Entry, it was designed as another entry and was used for a few years as such until sometime in the 1940s when it was sold off. It was known as either the “gentleman’s entrance” or the “ladies' entrance”. Apparently pics of this do exist, tho, I’ve yet to see them!

Also, it should be stated the original seating was 1250, it seats no where near that now, with the auditorium unfortunately split in half and the balcony no longer being used for seating.