This theater is now completely (to its mostly former glory) by the Arkleys. Go to www.arkleycenter.com for more info. It is now open and is a performing arts venue.
By the way, more information can be found at www.arkleycenter.com They were handing out informational brochures about their restoration at this month’s arts alive.
Local conservative rich philanthropists Rob & Cherie Arkley have bought this theater and have almost completed the restoration apparently. They are saying that the theater will open in 2007 under the new name “The Arkley Center for the Performing Arts”. This theater was christened the Richard Sweasey Theater theater after the mayor of Eureka of that time. The theater is rightfully called “The Richard Sweasey Theater” and will be forever.
Pam. I agree with you, I as well as the whole county feel very strongly about this theater opening. I have very fond memories of it, as I am the youngest volunteer there. As my experience as a pastor’s kid has taught me, I have no idea what the board of the theater has planned as far as what this theater is going to be used for now. All boards are very unpredictable and secretive. When something goes on there (event wise), it will definitely be publicised for sure. A lot of the board members there are prolific and serious people in the community, so they will make sure word of it gets out. I can’t clarify anything like events and official decisions, so you would have to call the theater at 442-2970 for more info.
Didn’t you see the status listing above Pam? It says we are open/renovating. As of now until sometime in August we are closed completely for some great renovations. We’re not going to be closed forever. Once when we reopen for the public again in August, we will have some really great plans to present you with.
I just recently started volunteering at the theater again, and it appears that Gregg’s claim about our theater is incorrect. He has us confused with the Daly Theater, which is where all of the news coverage is focues on.
For those of you who are wondering what those interesting details are that Gregg is talking about, according to Gregg, they have uncovered the upstairs mural. When you walk up the curved stairs, there is this big wall next to you on the second floor landing that is curved. Throughout the years of modernization, this wall was left vacant covered by many layers of turquoise/sea green paint. I am assuming (judging by recommendations I have herd by a cal-trans woman I once gave a tour for) workers have steamed the paint on the wall and then they peeled it off. That is my assumption, but I could be wrong. From stories I have heard from our general manager who has worked there sometime in the 1950s, the mural was an enormous garden theme with a bench and a tree with branches that extended throughout the wall. I am told that if you look at it in a magic eye type of way, you should be able to see what I am talking about (some people I gave tours to was able to see this).
More good news! The gymansium company that so shamelessly occupied this theater and totally butchered it, finally went bankrupt! Sheesh, I wonder what idiot came up with that idea. Anyways, the theater is now bought and is going to be used in the appropriate way once again. The owner’s are looking for some feedback on how to use the theater. Some extensive history about this theater will also be helpful. You can e-mail the theater at To see an article about the opening of this theater copy and paste this: View link
This theater is now completely (to its mostly former glory) by the Arkleys. Go to www.arkleycenter.com for more info. It is now open and is a performing arts venue.
Richard Sweasey was the mayor of Eureka in the 1920s.
By the way, more information can be found at www.arkleycenter.com They were handing out informational brochures about their restoration at this month’s arts alive.
Local conservative rich philanthropists Rob & Cherie Arkley have bought this theater and have almost completed the restoration apparently. They are saying that the theater will open in 2007 under the new name “The Arkley Center for the Performing Arts”. This theater was christened the Richard Sweasey Theater theater after the mayor of Eureka of that time. The theater is rightfully called “The Richard Sweasey Theater” and will be forever.
Pam. I agree with you, I as well as the whole county feel very strongly about this theater opening. I have very fond memories of it, as I am the youngest volunteer there. As my experience as a pastor’s kid has taught me, I have no idea what the board of the theater has planned as far as what this theater is going to be used for now. All boards are very unpredictable and secretive. When something goes on there (event wise), it will definitely be publicised for sure. A lot of the board members there are prolific and serious people in the community, so they will make sure word of it gets out. I can’t clarify anything like events and official decisions, so you would have to call the theater at 442-2970 for more info.
Didn’t you see the status listing above Pam? It says we are open/renovating. As of now until sometime in August we are closed completely for some great renovations. We’re not going to be closed forever. Once when we reopen for the public again in August, we will have some really great plans to present you with.
Our new web site is www.eurkeatheater.org
Our new web site is www.eurkeatheater.org
I just recently started volunteering at the theater again, and it appears that Gregg’s claim about our theater is incorrect. He has us confused with the Daly Theater, which is where all of the news coverage is focues on.
For those of you who are wondering what those interesting details are that Gregg is talking about, according to Gregg, they have uncovered the upstairs mural. When you walk up the curved stairs, there is this big wall next to you on the second floor landing that is curved. Throughout the years of modernization, this wall was left vacant covered by many layers of turquoise/sea green paint. I am assuming (judging by recommendations I have herd by a cal-trans woman I once gave a tour for) workers have steamed the paint on the wall and then they peeled it off. That is my assumption, but I could be wrong. From stories I have heard from our general manager who has worked there sometime in the 1950s, the mural was an enormous garden theme with a bench and a tree with branches that extended throughout the wall. I am told that if you look at it in a magic eye type of way, you should be able to see what I am talking about (some people I gave tours to was able to see this).
From, Chris Holmquist (Eureka Theater volunteer)
More good news! The gymansium company that so shamelessly occupied this theater and totally butchered it, finally went bankrupt! Sheesh, I wonder what idiot came up with that idea. Anyways, the theater is now bought and is going to be used in the appropriate way once again. The owner’s are looking for some feedback on how to use the theater. Some extensive history about this theater will also be helpful. You can e-mail the theater at To see an article about the opening of this theater copy and paste this: View link