Preserving Tupper Lake History: Tupper Arts launches ‘Encore’ capital campaign to save historic Adirondack State Theater
Dan McClelland
Tupper Lake is very fortunate to have a year-round movie house still in operation. The Adirondack State Theater is a cherished landmark that has been the cornerstone of the community for over 100 years, but it is in dire need of restoration. To ensure the preservation of this iconic theater, Tupper Arts is excited to announce the launch of an ambitious capital campaign: “Encore: Saving the Adirondack State Theater.”
In a statement released this week, Susan Delehanty, current president of the Tupper Arts board of directors announced, “Tupper Arts has the unique opportunity to renovate and restore the beloved 1914 movie house, which has been a mainstay in the community for over a century. It’s important to save this historic venue, but equally important to preserve a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment.”
As a part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative awarded to the Village of Tupper Lake, Tupper Arts was granted $700,000. As a prerequisite to access these funds, Tupper Arts must own the building. The goal of the Encore campaign is to raise $200,000 to purchase the property in order leverage the $700,000 state grant. A successful campaign will ensure the theater will continue to show first-run films, in addition to film festivals, themed viewings, and live performances.
Sally Strasser, the current owner of the building, is ready to pass the torch and sell the venue. However, she understands the importance of keeping the theater an integral part of the community and would like to stay involved by helping Tupper Arts navigate the movie industry business. “Sally has a wealth of knowledge about the business and was instrumental in organizing the Go Digital or Go Dark Campaign that saved the theater two decades ago,” said Mrs. Delehanty. “We are fortunate to have her as a consultant on the exciting new venture for Tupper Arts.”
At a recent presentation, Louise McNally, founding past president of Tupper Arts spoke of the sense of urgency and why Tupper Arts plays a crucial role in saving the theater from demise.
“I cannot stress enough, the urgency and cultural importance of this campaign. With the success of streaming platforms, rising costs, and the aftermath of COVID-19, the future of small regional commercial theaters is very grim. Without Tupper Arts’ intervention and commitment, the theater may be lost forever. With the support of individuals, local business, and philanthropic organizations, I believe we will breathe new life into this historic space and create a venue that will captivate audiences for generations to come.”
There is a major challenge facing the Tupper Arts leaders, Mrs. McNally explained this week. They have only four months to raise the $200,000 that is required as the local share of the $700,000 DRI state award award.
Evie Longhurst, the new director of operations at Tupper Arts, has a unique perspective on the campaign. “As a new resident to Tupper Lake, I have been welcomed so warmly to the area and my new role at Tupper Arts. When I first learned of the opportunity to save the State Theater, I was excited by the prospect. The town spirit I have experienced in Tupper Lake is something new to me. The energy and passion of the people of Tupper Lake has been a joy to witness.
“I am confident our community will rally together to save this treasured landmark.”
The Encore Campaign has several levels of giving, including naming opportunities.
Donations of $1000 or more will receive their name on the back of a theater seat, a $25,000 donor can name the upstairs balcony theater and a $50,000 donor can have their name on the newly renovated and expanded main theater stage.
Donations to the campaign can be made online at tupperarts.org, mailing a check to Tupper Arts Inc. 106 Park St, Tupper Lake, or drop in to see the volunteers and pick up an Encore Campaign fundraising packet.