The Capitol Theatre in Windsor is celebrating 100 years in the community and a committee is gathering memories and memorabilia to help celebrate the landmark.
On December 30, 2020, the theatre will turn 100 years old. Over that time, the theatre has been owned and operated by individuals, corporations, and not for profits.
In the early 90s, the building was scheduled for demolition. But Sheila Wisdom with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra said the art community rallied together to raise funds and support to keep the building standing.
"The sweat equity of the entire community saved this building. So this is a public space for people. It is for our entire community and that is just so important to have this kind of gem in our city centre," said Wisdom.
Now, the theatre is ready to celebrate 100 years and a committee has launched Project Memories to collect stories, photos, videos, and other memorabilia to curate a collection.
"If they have old ticket stubs, programs that they've kept if they are willing to share that in the 100th anniversary so that those artifacts can be publicly stored and the collective purpose that the Capitol serves can be captured through this collective memory project," said Wisdom.
Unfortunately, because the building has switched hands so many times, the committee is starting with very little.
"Who knows what happened to things, or perhaps people threw stuff out or took things home, we don't know," said Wisdom.
All of the memorabilia and memories will be curated for an exhibit at the Chimczuk Museum in August. Visit the Capitol Theatre website to find out how you can submit your favourite memory and help celebrate 100 years of the Capitol Theatre.
