The economic impacts of COVID-19 in Oregon are being felt across the state and we’re only just beginning to understand how far and wide the effects will reach. While we unite to help each other through these troubling times it’s important to remember the positive things that are happening around us. Though theaters were forced to close during the shutdown, creativity and community support have kept the lights on at many historic theaters statewide. From Gresham to Roseburg to Baker City, sales of movie-night kits including buttered popcorn, pizza, and candy, digital rentals, t-shirts, and even beer and wine to-go are supporting an Oregon industry that has always relied on social togetherness.
In recent weeks we’ve also seen other good news for historic theaters hit the headlines. On June 4, the Columbia Theatre in St. Helens lit their newly restored marquee. Last year, Columbia Theatre owners received a grant applied for via the St. Helens Economic Development Corporation (SHEDCO). The $200,000 grant for renovations was one of 30 matching grants statewide awarded to Oregon Main Street Network organizations for building projects that encourage economic revitalization. 
On Memorial Day weekend, the 99W Drive-In Theatre in Newberg reopened for weekend movie showings. Their new reservation system complies with state guidelines and makes opening the theater possible in light of social distancing requirements. Owner Brian Francis is also waiting on good news for the Cameo Theatre who has applied, via the Newberg Downtown Coalition, for the National Park Service’s Historic Revitalization Subgrant to replace seating and make other historically appropriate updates.
And a chance conversation between a former Lake County Circuit Court Judge and a woman in Arizona wearing an Oregon Beavers shirt, the Alger Theater will be receiving original plans and drawings from descendants of the building’s architect, James W. DeYoung. The information will help the Lakeview Community Partnership gain access to DeYoung’s archives and bring them one step closer to knowing what the original theater looked like as the organization, which now owns the Alger Theater, underatakes renovations.
Keep your local historic theaters in mind as Oregon starts to reopen and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Contact us today to find out more about supporting these irreplaceable cultural resources.
