The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #47: 8-21-24

                        VOLUME 2024            AUGUST 7         NUMBER 45

President Bill Wisdom, welcomed everyone and gave us our morning blessing, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

ACHES & PAINS:  Be kind to one another, you never know what others may be going through.  Keep the family of Melvin Hunt in your thoughts and prayers.        

PROGRAM:  Bruce McMillan introduced our speaker, Blade Mages, Executive Director of the Wareham Hall Project.  With him this morning was Heidi Brown, Development Manager of the Wareham Hall Project.  Since 1880, a structure has stood at 410 Poyntz Avenue designed to improve the quality of life for Manhattan Kansas residents.  Our $35 Million capital campaign will revive this historical icon in the heart of downtown and make Manhattan a place that is recognized, celebrated and sought after for its thriving arts, cultural and entertainment offerings. 

For over 143 years, Wareham’s walls have echoed with the sounds of vaudeville acts, flickering films and soul-stirring live music performances.  Now, it’s time to restore this cultural icon located in the heart of Manhattan’s downtown and usher it into a new era of entertainment.

1800 – The Coliseum opened its doors as the premier entertainment hub in town.
1884 – Moore’s Opera House – H.S. Moore transformed the building, making it more aesthetically pleasing and it marked a significant step forward for the local arts scene.
1893 – Mrs. S.S. Wareham (Harry Wareham’s mother) acquired the Opera House, made significant improvements that ensured a first-class experience for theatergoers.
1900 – Marked a milestone by screening one of the first motion pictures in the state.
1918 – During WW 1 the Theater became a vital news source for locals, showcasing films from leading filmmaker Pathe.
1922 – Wildcats on the Big Screen-fans who could not attend the games, had the opportunity to watch the film at the Wareham Theater.
1938 – The Theater underwent its most iconic renovation.  A beautiful terrazzo sidewalk, a new marquee and a massive Neon Sign.
1951 – The devastating flood greatly damaged the Wareham Theater as the main auditorium was under five feet of water.  Post-flood renovations and enhancements were swift and the theater’s grand reopening in September of 1951 highlighted the community’s dedication to restoring the beloved cultural hub with enhanced amenities.
1986 – No longer able to keep up with modern amenities and diverse offerings of its rivals, the once-beloved theater struggled to attract patrons and ultimately closed its doors. 
1988-2022 – THE REIMAGINATION BEGINS!

Create a destination that generates energy and vibrancy
Expand educational opportunities for students
Attract and retain residents, workforce and students
Offer engaging activities for Manhattan’s adults and young professionals
Increase access and exposure to the arts
Preserve the Wareham Opera House

For more information or to learn more about Wareham Hall, please visit WarehamHall.org  you can also reach out to Blade Mages at (785)614-1442 or email him at blade@warehamhall.org

Web site: Wareham Hall

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:

Several received their Dime a Day pins – thank you all for your contributions!
Fall Social Date is set for Sunday, September 8th!  More information is coming soon!
SAVE THE DATE: September 28th-KSU Football Parking for the OSU game, October 19th – Aggieville Chili Crawl

GUESTS:  No other guests were present this morning.   

Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.

 August 28: Noon Meeting: Kendra Kuhlman, Director – Manhattan Arts Center: Topic: “Master Plan for Manhattan Arts Center”