The Everett Theatre, an Art Deco style theatre built in 1923, continues to grace the streets of Everett, Bedford County.  Located on Main Street along the 1913 Lincoln Highway heritage corridor (Route 30), the Everett Theatre is within the National Register’s Everett Historic District.

Everett was created in 1787 when Michael Barndollar bought land and laid out a town originally called Waynesburg. This name was never widely used, and the small village was incorporated as a borough in November 1860. It was known as Bloody Run. While this name carries with it many interesting stories and much history, the name was changed in February 1873 to Everett.

Reimagine Everett

In its goal to bring vitality to Main Street Everett, Reimagine Everett was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization on August 16, 2018. The mission of Reimagine Everett is to facilitate the revitalization of the Everett Area by supporting projects and activities that strengthen the Everett area through community and economic development.

Reimagine Everett has concentrated their revitalization efforts on the restoration of the Everett Theatre to spearhead a rebirth of activity and commerce in the center of Everett.  The goal is to reopen the property as a community events center where various performances, public and private events, movies, and educational programs will be held for Everett residents and visitors.

The Everett Theatre

According to local sources, the Everett Theatre was designed by architect T.W. Biddle Jr of Cumberland, Maryland. Construction was completed in 1923, and owners A.J. “Ace” and John J. Stuckey opened it as the Stuckey Theatre. A few years later, as the theatre excelled, it was able to convert to sound. Then, in late December 1945, the Stuckey Brothers sold the theatre to Theodore Grance, who renamed it Everett Theatre.

Old photo of theatre along main street.

The Everett Theatre as the Stuckey Theatre in the 1940s. Image from Bloody Run Historical Society.

Grance also took ownership of other Stuckey Brothers’ businesses, including the Stuckey Hotel, Bowling, and Restaurant converting them all to the Everett Hotel, Everett Bowling Alleys, and Everett Restaurant. The Everett Theatre was of prime importance to the community and operated as a theatre for another 35-40 years.

Two people stand in front of a theater adorned with Christmas lights and after a snowstorm.

The Everett in the 1970s. Image from the Thomas Grance Photo Archives.

In the 1980s, the building was joined with the adjacent 22 East Main Street property and served as a nightclub, dance hall, bar, and restaurant. In 2009, the building was vacated and abandoned, leaving the center of town void of the excitement that once enlivened Main Street. After 9 years of abandonment, Reimagine Everett acquired the property of 20-22 East Main Street, buying it for $1. In support of the project, Bedford County Government and the Everett Area School District forgave all property tax encumbrances.

A New Life

After taking ownership of the Theatre in 2018, Reimagine Everett completed asbestos abatement, replaced the decaying roof, and demolished the adjacent derelict, non-contributing and detracting building at 22 East Main Street to increase property value and regain the majesty of the building. To develop an architectural and engineering plan for the continued renovation efforts, Reimagine Everett partnered with McKissick Associates.

Two story brick building with stone at first floor and large windows on second floor above a large marquee.

Everett Theatre before renovation work began.

Reimagine Everett applied for and received a $25,000 Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) Keystone Planning Grant in 2021. After learning of the grant award, Reimagine Everett board members, residents committed to the Everett Theater’s restoration and reopening, developed an outreach campaign, designed a Facebook page, distributed fliers, and by word of mouth spread the news about the restoration project and the need for matching funds. The community became engaged and interested in reopening the historic theatre building, generously supported fundraisers, and provided financial support for the renovation efforts.

The PHMC Keystone Planning grant allowed for the creation of a historic structures report, a four-phase theatre restoration plan, drawings, renderings, and cost estimates to ensure the distinctive features of the Everett Theatre, such as the marquee, entry sequence, balcony details, decorative ceilings, pilasters, and trim will be preserved, restored, and reproduced to regain the craftsmanship, style, and significance of the building’s origins.

Rehabilitation Begins

Phase 1A of the four-phase renovation plan was initiated when the Everett Borough, on behalf of Reimagine Everett, was awarded a $100,000 PHMC Keystone Historic Preservation Construction grant in 2022. The community’s interest in restoring and reopening the Everett Theatre was again evident as their financial support allowed the required matching funds to be raised.

Phase 1A construction included work on the front façade from the marquee to the top of the building and included masonry work, brick repointing, new windows, placement of structural supports in the second story, and the restoration of the beautiful marquee. Phase 1A project costs totaled $243,398.85. Work began on June 12, 2023, and was completed on January 9, 2024.

Two story brick building surrounded by construction fencing and ladders.

Rehabilitation work at the theater in June 2023.

To celebrate the 100th birthday of the Everett Theatre and the efforts of everyone involved, a marquee lighting ceremony was held on November 24, 2023, at Everett’s Home for Christmas event. The Everett Theatre marquee that was dim for too many years now shines brightly on Main Street thanks to the combined efforts of Reimagine Everett, the Everett Borough Council, McKissick Associates, PHMC, and the community.

Large group of people in street at night in front of brick buildings.

A community celebrates. November 2023.

Plans for the Everett Theatre’s future include the completion of the remaining renovation phases at an estimated cost of $2.5 million. Once the Everett Theatre restoration is completed, it is anticipated that individuals from the region will come to the town of Everett to enjoy the variety of performances, events and movies that will take place in the historically restored property.

Not only will visitation to the Everett Theatre increase as performance and program options grow, but the economic impact the visitors will provide to other businesses in the Everett area will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the town.

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Today’s guest contributor is Leah M. Pepple, a member of the Reimage Everett board.