The Rapids Theater, originally the Lyon Theater, opened in January of 1919 as vaudeville and silent screen picture house. It was built by a local successful farmer rancher who had had the desire to bring the magic of stage and cinema to the area. It was built for $15,000 and sat 750. A ballroom dominated the full length of the 3rd floor with its own balcony and orchestra loft. It was hot spot for local dances well through era of the Charleston and through the era Big Band Swing and into early Rock n Roll.
The Theater closed as a picture house in the late 70’s and various attempts were made to revive the picture house but the industry was too weak in rural America. A furniture store and community theatre occupied the space until the mid 90’s when it was retro-fitted into a restaurant and survived in different incarnations of a fine-dining establishment until 2008 when it closed its doors seemingly for good.
Struggling under bankruptcy, crippling leans, an aging roof raining throughout the building, and a structure in disrepair with 50% of it unused and un-maintained for nearly 50 years; hope was in short supply. But out of the crumbling plaster, dripping ceilings, and shadowy recesses community members were discovering a passion for the past and a vision and dream to revive a community and re-light the lamps of a glorious past and illuminate a future full of potential, music, movement and hope. In 2011, a non-profit society formed for the preservation of this cultural and historical gem. The Rapids Theatre Preservation Society purchased the property and through the community’s efforts and generosity have begun extensive renovations to reopen the theatre as a community event center and performing arts hall. Plans potentially include a coffee house, restoration and reopening the 3rd floor ballroom, updating the theatre arts equipment, and updating the film equipment to allow for second showing movies on weekends and special events.
Get involved and learn more on Facebook with the Rapids Theatre Preservation Society.
The Rapids Theater, originally the Lyon Theater, opened in January of 1919 as vaudeville and silent screen picture house. It was built by a local successful farmer rancher who had had the desire to bring the magic of stage and cinema to the area. It was built for $15,000 and sat 750. A ballroom dominated the full length of the 3rd floor with its own balcony and orchestra loft. It was hot spot for local dances well through era of the Charleston and through the era Big Band Swing and into early Rock n Roll. The Theater closed as a picture house in the late 70’s and various attempts were made to revive the picture house but the industry was too weak in rural America. A furniture store and community theatre occupied the space until the mid 90’s when it was retro-fitted into a restaurant and survived in different incarnations of a fine-dining establishment until 2008 when it closed its doors seemingly for good. Struggling under bankruptcy, crippling leans, an aging roof raining throughout the building, and a structure in disrepair with 50% of it unused and un-maintained for nearly 50 years; hope was in short supply. But out of the crumbling plaster, dripping ceilings, and shadowy recesses community members were discovering a passion for the past and a vision and dream to revive a community and re-light the lamps of a glorious past and illuminate a future full of potential, music, movement and hope. In 2011, a non-profit society formed for the preservation of this cultural and historical gem. The Rapids Theatre Preservation Society purchased the property and through the community’s efforts and generosity have begun extensive renovations to reopen the theatre as a community event center and performing arts hall. Plans potentially include a coffee house, restoration and reopening the 3rd floor ballroom, updating the theatre arts equipment, and updating the film equipment to allow for second showing movies on weekends and special events. Get involved and learn more on Facebook with the Rapids Theatre Preservation Society.