Helen Mae's Letter
Flagler Theatre Projector Fund: I am sending this donation in memory of my Grandpa Clarence and Grandma Nora Wright, who built the Grand Theater, and it opened in 1930. It was the largest and most beautiful building in Kit Carson County. Everene was their daughter. I am the granddaughter, Helen Mae “Fruhling” Lewis. I grew up in the Theater , first ushering and then selling popcorn and later selling tickets. Grandma told me I was the best ticket girl of all. I was very good at making change. When my Grandma took her portable skating rink to Ogallala, Nebraska, and other towns to make money and keep the Theater operating, I ran the Theater. After Grandpa was killed in his truck in 1936, Grandma ran the Grand Theater until she was 85 years old.
Grandma's Skating Rink: The portable skating rink was large with a canvas cover on the top and sides. The sides were rolled up and cars would park and watch the skaters. The rink was located north of the Congregational Church. The Theater seats were stacked against the walls and this made it available for roller skating and dances, “live music” and high school plays and graduation. My class of 1945 was on the stage at the theater to receive our diplomas. I do hope the shows will continue and the Theater Building will be used for many years in the future. January 29, 2014 Helen Mae “Fruhling” Lewis.
The Projector Project
We, at the Flagler Theatre are overwhelmed at the support from the community, past and present, to help us reach our goal of a new projector.
This was made possible by all of you. Because of this support and commitment from the community, the Flagler Theatre was able to reopen June 6-8, with digital equipment. (Really didn't know that movies came closed caption, however, until one was loaded and shown that weekend. :) )
Please continue to watch this page. Now that Phase I (equipment) has been completed, the theatre moves into the next phase of working on the auditorium and seats.
Projector Project Supporters!
Anonymous, Scott and Mary Allacher, Tom Arensdorf, Roger Armstrong, Scott Power & Machine Attn: Ron Scott, Russ and Deb Benson, Steve and Audrey Benson, Chris and Pat Bledsoe, Chris and Tara Bledsoe, Helyna Bledsoe, Janet Brandt, Marion Brouwer, Paul And Anita Burns, Jerry Caldwell, Mike and Carri Campbell, Becky Carter, Brittany Clevenger, Robert Compton, Ross and Tina Conrad, Theresa Copley, Danny Crouch, Jack and Angie Daly, Lois Dickinson, Raymond Duell Family Trust, Russell Dumcum, Pat Edwards, Jim and Mary Elmshauser, Ralph & Sandra Ennis, Courtney Ensz, Fred Erbert, Alberta Fagerlund, Randy and Pam Fagerlund, Gary and Judy Fagerlund, Charlotte Fellers, Linda Fillmore, BJ and Lee Fisher, Justin and Chandra Fisher, Nina Lou Ford, George and Barb Garner, Dr. George and Lila Girvin, Ken Goering, Dave Gottman, Donna Grant, Bill Grimes, Roger Grimes, Dan Harris, Cindy Hawks, Shannon Hawks, Meredyth Herman, Harry and Darleen Hertneky, Mary Ann Hile, Susan Hunt, Elsie Josey, Tony & Bev Keller, Chuck and Glenda Kinkel, Tim and Marlys Kossman, Janelle Kountz, Marla Kuefner, Daniel & Kimberly Kummet, Leroy and Kathy Loutzenhiser, Roberta Martin, Gordon Matheson, Yvonne McCaleb, John and Kari Michal, Davis Michal, Jed Michal, Diane Miller, Robert Mix, Norma Jean Moore, Carol Moss, Blaine Moss, Jean Mudd, Paul and Patty Murphy, Ken Nelson, Virginia Newton, Mike and Melissa Nichols, Brent and Whitney Oestman, Jim and Kathy Ostrowski, Agnes Otteman, Mark and Cynthia Otteman, Allen and Phyllis Peterson, Jeanetta Pierce, Dan and Cindy Pletcher, Larry and Judy Polzin, Matthew Price, Ed & Jodi Rarick, Curt and Luanne Reimer, Freddie Rogers, Delpha Ruby, Justin Rueb, Jr, Dallas and Rose Saffer, Vicki Sanderson, Randy Santala, Mike and Sally Santala, Sally Sauer, Beulah Schahrer, Krista Schifferns, Jean Schifferns, Jan Schifferns, Bill Scott, Hannah Seaman, Wanda Sheldon, Megan Small, Jerry and Char Smith, Jim and Sherri Smithburg, Bob Smithburg, Ivan Stahlecker, Laura Stone, Frank and Mary Sweet, Bob Trahern, June Trahern, Betty Lou Trahern, Vel Vassios, Vern Werner, John Wickham, C.W. and Sandra Will, Arthena Witt, Brian and Heather Witt, John Witt, Sue Witt, Ron Worthington, Ginger Wright, In Memory Clarence and Nora Wright, Wheatland Conference Center, Flagler Lions Club, High Plains Bank, Flagler News/Mile Saver Shopper, Family Tree Chiropractic, KC Electric, Green Horizons, I-70 Diner, Stop and Shop Supermarket, Ottemans, Shideler Electric, CoBank Sharing our Success Grant/Flagler Co-op, Crystal Springs Foundation, Flagler School, Flagler FFA Chapter, Flagler FBLA, Flagler Aerial Spraying, Congregational Church Ladies Aid Colorado, Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Downtown Colorado, Inc.
And many, many more who donated anonymously, those who donated to The Show Must Go On auction, those who bought items or attended the auction. And last, but not least, for all who supported with words of encouragement or offers to help.