OPINION PAGE: Historic Roxy Theatre celebrates 75 years

The Historic Roxy Theatre was built in 1949 and opened on Sept. 15. It was the center of entertainment and a landmark for Russellville and Franklin County for many years.  As movie theatres around the country fell victim to television and other forms of home entertainment, the Roxy Theatre was closed in 1976. It remained unoccupied until it was donated to the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, Inc., a non-profit organization, by a local businessman on Dec. 31, 1987.

This volunteer organization, which meets the requirements of the general grant guidelines, has worked continually for 37 years to restore and maintain this historic icon. The Roxy is the only one of its kind in Alabama and only two others in Tennessee. The structure is original with very few changes—the neon lights inside are the original and still work after 75 years. Across the South and throughout the country, communities have pitched in to restore movie theatres for use as performing arts centers and community meeting places.

Popular and successful renovations have been accomplished with the “Bama” in Tuscaloosa, the “Paramount” in Montgomery, the “Princess” in Decatur and the “Ritz” in Sheffield. These communities know that cultural development is a cornerstone for economic renewal. Russellville is honored to be on this elite list of communities that have recognized the importance of these cultural centers.

The Franklin County Arts & Humanities Council, Inc. is made up of volunteers who donate their time to make our community better for future generations and to preserve history that is pertinent to our city and county. We do not receive any funding from any source other than our own fundraisers.

This year marks the 75th year of the Roxy Theatre. It is the desire of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council to present quality, wholesome programs that the entire family can enjoy in our community. It is also the mission of the Arts Council to protect and preserve historical sites like the Historic Roxy Theatre.

The Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, Inc. feel the community benefits from the Roxy. It offers dozens of community groups, schools, churches, civic clubs and businesses a 640-seat facility (which includes the balcony) for theatre, children’s events, meetings, fashion shows, recitals, large meetings, ceremonies and concerts. The theatre provides a place for locals to perform as well as provide entertainment which attracts tourists to our area.

The Arts Council has sponsored several events at the Roxy over the past few years which have attracted many people from other states and the surrounding areas. Some of these events include the annual Watermelon Festival which brings in crowds exceeding 35,000 each August, the W.C. Handy Festival, which is extended from the Shoals area to the Roxy Theatre as an “Evening at the Roxy with the Great Pretenders,” the annual Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular and The Roxy’s Cruise-In.

Ronnie McDowell has performed many concerts which has raised funds for the Roxy renovation as well as attract fans and tourists from other states to our city. A movie screen and projector have been installed so movie classics, film festivals and matinees for children have been sponsored. Open tours and rentals are available upon request and approval by the Arts Council’s board of directors.

Russellville is a rural community which lacks an abundance of entertainment outlets. The restoration of the Roxy Theatre has made it possible for our town to have a facility in which many types of entertainment can be hosted. The theatre provides a place for locals to perform as well as provide entertainment which attracts tourists to our area.  It provides a stage for many of our students to perform and display their talents. The historic Roxy helps beautify the downtown area with its magnificent neon sign and flashing lights. It plays an important role in the revitalization of the downtown area, the economy and preserving a historical landmark.

Susie Hovater Malone is the president of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council.