Fulton Opera House
The Fulton Hall was built in 1850. It was renovated and opened as the Fulton Opera House in 1873. By 1952, it had become a second-rate movie house.
At a meeting in 1959, there was a brief but eloquent talk by Conrad Nagel, prominent veteran actor and a Rotarian from the Hollywood, California Club. He emphasized the importance of the Fulton Opera House and the Ephrata Playhouse in our community. Nagel suggested that a committee for the preservation of theater arts would be a worthy endeavor in Lancaster County.
In 1981, the Club staged a variety show, "Ah, Variety," at the Fulton. The description in the Club's history reads:
"It was a one-night variety show. Some of the talent was from our own membership. In some cases, this should be called "guts" instead of talent, but there were some professional performers also. Bob Montgomery headed the entire project, and deserves the absolute maximum of credit. Gene Pellard took charge of the stage production. Gene is a "pro" as well as a member, and he worked wonders. Others contributed too numerous to mention, but the committee made a tremendous contribution and their efforts paid off. The show netted $8,100.00, much of which was ticketed for the Graduate House Project."
In 1982, it was reported that "Ah, Variety" and its Fulton Opera House performances netted $9,000. Credit for this successful venture goes out to many Rotary members whose combined efforts sold 837 of the 877 seats in the theater and produced a community theatrical event that is on its way to becoming a Lancaster tradition.
In 1983, it was reported "Attention to the arts and cultural aspects of the community was given by presentation on the Fulton Opera House, the Independent Eye, a Lancaster based national theatrical group, and the Lancaster Opera Workshop."
In 1985, using the theme "When Swing Was King" the show at the Fulton Opera House featured Bob Troxel's big jazz band, and singing group, The Vocal Image. Not only was it a superb show, but it was also a success financially, raising $8,215.
One of the two 1985-86 Rotary Community Service awards went to Jane Mueller, for being instrumental in saving the Fulton Opera House and restoring it to its rightful place in the greater Lancaster Community.
At a meeting in 1987, Kathleen Collins, Artistic Director for the Fulton, was the speaker. She reviewed some of the historic happenings at the theater and some of the personalities and activities associated with it, such as W. C. Fields and John Philip Sousa, who directed a Marine Band on stage there. There were many other events of equal luster to enhance the heritage. She emphasized that the Fulton is a not- for-profit organization, and it was her hope that with more concerted promotion, people would be drawn from Harrisburg, York, Reading and elsewhere to participate as audience and supporters.
In 1992, there was lunch on the stage of the Fulton Opera House where the members enjoyed seeing scenes from Crazy Quilt and Romeo and Juliet.
In 1995, the Club contributed $5,000 for the Fulton Opera House's Youtheatre, through which high school students would create and perform their own productions.
In 1996, the Club lunch was in the rehearsal room and then it toured the renovated facility.
In 2000, the Club attended a performance of Miracles at the Fulton Opera House.
In 2001, the Club had a "wonderful" holiday luncheon and show at the Fulton.
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