Norm Scranton shakes hands with Donna and Dan Hardy as LaVelle Hunt, president of Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater, thanks Missy Batman, chief operating officer of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, after being surprised by a $300,000 gift for the venue in Decatur on Monday, June 15.
Norm Scranton and LaVelle Hunt talk to Donna and Dan Hardy after the announcement of the W. Daniel and Donna J. Hardy Endowment for Lincoln Square Theater in Decatur on Monday, June 15.
People are also reading…
The $300,000 gift for the Lincoln Square Theater’s operations and preservation is a permanent charitable fund with the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Program, aimed at creating resources for local communities.
Norm Scranton and LaVelle Hunt of Friends of the Lincoln Square Theater are surprised by a $300,000 gift from Donna and Dan Hardy, with Missy Batman, chief operating officer of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, and CEO Natalie Beck in Decatur on Monday, June 15.
The Lincoln Square Theater displays its upcoming events in Decatur on Monday, June 15.
Scenes from history at Decatur's Lincoln Square Theater
1929: Equipment in the Lincoln Theater during the 1920's included this amplifier.
1932: A sound machine and technician works on eqiupment at the Lincoln Theater.
1960: Sue Jagla and Jeanne Haupt are shown behind the refreshment counter in the newly redecorated lobby of the Lincoln Theater. Closed since the lobby was damaged heavily in the fire that swept five buildings in the 100 block N. Main St. on March 5, the theater reopens at noon today with the showing of “Bells are Ringing.” The theater was not damaged beyond the lobby.
1966: Shown are some of the thousand children who attended a Christmas party at the Lincoln Theater in downtown Decatur on Saturday, Dec. 17, 1966. Millikin National Bank sponsored the event.
1977: Another much-touted science fiction movie has opened in Decatur.
1980: Lester Hubner, an account executive with Powhall Advertising, stands in front of the Lincoln Square Theater in downtown Decatur. Hubner and his associates plan to form a nonprofit organization to renovate the theater and host live entertainment there.
1981: A local audience at the Lincoln Square Theater shows support for John Schlitt, then lead singer of the band Johnny. Schlitt, a 1968 graduate of Mount Pulaski High School, was a member of rock band Head East from 1972-80.
1981: Rock band Johnny, featuring lead singer John Schlitt, takes the stage at the Lincoln Square Theater.
1987: Top corner of the old Lincoln Movie Theatre complex that is not between the Lincoln Theatre and the adult book store that used to be the Odd Fellow's lodge on the 2nd floor.
1991:David Wiegers, left, president of Lincoln Square Theater Inc. and Steve Payton.
1991: A recent photo shows both the water damage on the walls and the remaining beauty of Lincoln Theater.
1995: Annette Thaxton, center, and Raquel Thaxton make a joyful noise for Jesus on Monday, March 6, 1995, at Decatur's Lincoln Theatre. Several hundred people joined a 'Together for the Gospel' celebration to begin preparations for the annual March for Jesus on May 27.
1997: Elias Zarou is the center attention as 'Zorba.'
1997: Roasmund (Kim Hamilton, second from left) expresses her dislike to Jamie Lockhart (Tyler Pennock, center) in 'The Robber Bridegroom' presented by Lincoln Square Theatre.
Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR
Donnette Beckett
"Together Decatur" Columnist and Food/Drink Reporter
