Our Hometown
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Celebration for the Ohmann Theatre
That man is Bob Ohmann, who grew up in Lyons and made his mark and money in North Carolina, as a successful developer. For many, that would be the end of the story - North Carolina's gain, Lyons's loss. Ohmann is the grandson of Burt Ohmann, the original builder and operator of the Ohmann Theatre, located on William Street. Originally built in 1914 for stage plays, and silents, the historical theatre is intact from that time. Bob Ohmann's wife asked, 'Why not buy and restore it?' when they learned that the theatre was closed and in danger of being torn down. Ohmann had already contributed many dollars to his hometown. In 1980, the Ohmann family sold the theatre to Dave Reynolds and Thomas Crowley, who operated it until they built Showplace 6 in nearby Newark. The last movie shown at the Ohmann, was a forgettable saga entitled Captain Ron, starring Kurt Russell.
'Lyons has generally been a self-sustaining community, and the theatre a special place,' said Ohmann, who bought the building after it was sold at a tax foreclosure. He won't reveal how much of his own money he has invested in the restoration, but it may be as high as $1.4 million. 'It has been my passion,' said Ohmann, who assigned the year-long restoration to Chrisanntha Inc., who supervised the restoration of Geneva's Smith Opera House. New at the theatre, which opened Wednesday, are a new projection system, with both film and DVD capabilities. (Many big city multiplex theatres are still trying to decide how and who is going to pay for the DVD systems.) Special surround-sound and digital stereo is in. The facility will be able to screen everything from modern blockbusters to the old time, silent movies. In addition, stage sound with a mixing board is installed, and all lighting , including stage and spots has been included. Several vintage movie posters are displayed in the lobby. All main floor seating is brand new, built by the Irwin Company, the same firm that built the original seating in 1914. Original seats were saved and are installed in the balcony, also known to many old timers in Lyons as the passion pit, or lovers lane.
This Wednesday's sneak preview saw the younger crowd arriving to see Polar Express, free admission, sponsored by Lyons National Bank, Dobbins Drugs, Coca-Cola, and McDonald's.
Karen Colizzi Noonan of Geneva, President of the Theatre Historical Society of America, based in Elmhurst, IL was unable to attend the opening but was active in it's restoration. She commented on the Ohmann project. 'Bob Ohmann has not only restored and preserved a piece of family history, he has also given back to the Lyons community a treasure from its past that has far reaching implications for it future as well. The Ohmann Theatre can and will serve as a catalyst for further redevelopment in downtown Lyons. Beyond that, the entire theater restoration and preservation community is watching and applauding Mr. Ohmann and his unique project as an historically significant theater from the earliest days of presentation history. It is now up to the town of Lyons and indeed all of Wayne County to support this theater and enjoy the delightful entertainment options that are planned!' Family members are pictured: Sally Ohmann, Kay Ohmann, Wendy Fowler, Myron Ohmann, and Richard Ohmann. The Free Summer Sneak Preview movies will continue at 11 a.m. each Wednesday & Thursday throughout the summer. Watch ads for details.
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2005 |
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