There was a time when almost every town in America had a movie theater. In those pre-TV days of the 1930s and 1940s, movies were the most popular form of entertainment in the world. More than half of the people in the country went to the movies at least once a week. Some went more.
The folks in our town want to return to this practice!
In 2016, a group of local citizens banded together to buy buildings with hopes of preserving them. This organization was SAVE OUR HERITAGE (SOH), and the first building was the Roll Mill. A part of the newly designated Historic District, the MECCA THEATRE hopes to continue to improve the town of Chase City.
We continue to work to restore the MECCA THEATRE in Chase City, Virginia. To date, with the help of the community, we have completed a number of important projects:
- We received a grant from Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation/National Park Services and the Department of Historic Resources and were able to add gutters and a new roof.
- We have received generous donations and were able to reinforce the balcony and complete a major clean-out of the building, which had suffered years of neglect.
- Today we are using a $100,000 grant from the Industrial Revitalization Fund from the Department of Housing and Community Development to prepare for Phase 1 of the renovation, which will include restoring the ART MODERNE facade and marquee, the lobby, bathrooms, and a new concession stand. Right now, it is a bit of a blank canvas, and we are so excited about what it will become.
Through hard work, and some luck, we have been able to secure grant funding for some major renovations, but the work is not complete and donations are needed. Please continue to support us in our mission to restore and re-open this amazing venue.
SAVE OUR HERITAGE is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization and, as the year closes, remember that a donation to us is tax deductible. Checks are safe and work well.
We need it.
We need you!
Donations may be targeted to the venue of your choice.
SAVE OUR HERITAGE
PO BOX 851
Chase City, VA 23924