The New Dixie Local History Preserved By Mary Margaret Storey van Diest (The Ruston Daily Leader)
Because the theater was built in 1928, every detail of its history cannot be given in a brief history, but a feel for the commitment and determination of community leaders and volunteers should clearly shine through this summary of the past recalled and the future anticipated. The story of the Dixie Theater begins in November of 1928 when the New Astor Theater was built at a cost of $100,000. It opened a month later with a concert on the Mighty Wicks Pipe Organ. At that time the theater was equipped for silent films only with sound equipment added later. A year later, the first anniversary was celebrated with ticket prices ranging from 10 cents to 50 cents. The history of the theater took a dramatic turn when it was sold to T. L. James in 1930 and closed a year later. In 1932 with the name of the historic Ruston theater landmark being the Rialto, an elaborate chandelier was added and remains to this date.
Drapery, curtains, and wings of the stage were a complete loss. Two large sound units back stage were destroyed. The large chandelier in the center of the ceiling was damaged by smoke. Seats in the balcony and front rows downstairs were severely scorched and blistered with damage set at $5,000.
The Rialto reopened with The Son-Daughter with Helen Hayes and Ramon Novarro. It was completely redecorated in the interior, having a new ceiling, curtains, draperies, rugs and wall treatment. A new and larger screen had been installed as well as improved sound equipment.
After being closed for remodeling in August of 1956, the Dixie reopened with a new front design which added the familiar Star to the marquee. The theater was air-conditioned for the first time with 67 1/2 tons. Five hundred Erwin Comet chairs were installed. A new front curtain of gold, controlled from the booth, was installed and walls were covered with acoustical cloth. Remodeling cost was set at $80,000. In 1965, the theater changed hands again, being sold from Art Investment Corp. for $81,000 to RUSLA Theaters which was made up of Don Theaters of Natchitoches and Gulf-States Theaters of New Orleans. In 1968, the Dixie was again remodeled with new seats, new lobby and wall draperies. At this time, the box office was moved from the sidewalk to inside the theater. Seats located on the bottom floor of the theater were taken out and moved to the balcony with new seats going into the lower floor area only. In 1976, the Dixie closed it's doors at the end of business with the closing movie being The Return of a Man Called Horse and 85 patrons were on hand for the last showing. Just two years later, the Dixie started leasing to the Wildwood Express Band featuring Joe Woods which used the theater each Saturday night for a live country-western show.
Rather than let the theater fall into stagnation at the end of that era, the first meeting of the Dixie Center for the Arts took place in 1996. Although the list is long, and certainly not inclusive of every person involved, the minutes of that first DCA meeting do comprise an important step in the modern history of the Dixie. Those present at the meeting were Linda Graham, Judy Burt, Catherine Williams, Lenora Miller, Doug Postel, Billy Green, Carole Harris, Claire Givens, Mary Anne Lewis, Liz Trammell, Sue Farley, David Reeg, Reggie Hanchey, Catherine McVea, and Susan Roach. Those who held membership but were not available at that first meeting were Beth Middleton, Lottie Green, Roberta Hinton, Rusty Green, Rosy Bromell, Diane Hoogland, Tonya Bickham, Scott Leachman, Foster Harris and Walter Savage.
With the search for state funding for the restoration of the Dixie beginning in 1997, the following year was punctuated with a spurt of life from Gospel and Rock 'n Roll in "The Beat Goes On: 60 Years of Music" produced by CJ Matlock. The next year, the Russ Town Society was formed by Claire Kilpatrick Givens and Tanya Graham Bickham. The group initially included 35 members who focused their efforts on assisting the Dixie project. Dramatic good news came in 1999, through the efforts
of Mary Ann Lewis and the Executive Board, when the Governor signed
a Capital Outlay Bill that included $1.25 million for Another instrumental group, the Dixie Capital Cabinet, met for the purpose of working to raise the $1 million needed from individuals, businesses and corporations in the local community. Some leading members of that group included Bruce Cowan, Travis DeFreese, Benny Denny, Hollis Downs, Duddy Garrett, Linda Graham, Elizabeth Green, Jackie Hanks, Carole Harris, David Hedgepeth, Roberta Hinton, Johnnie Hogan, Tommy James, Tammy Knowles, Richard Lewis, Johnny Maxwell, Larkin Norton, Doug Postel, David Reeg, Annie Richardson, Miriam Savage and Kelly Hogan. One of the most active supporters of the effort from the beginning was Linda Graham who not only played a key role in restoration of the Dixie, but also the rest of Ruston's historic downtown through her position as Main Street Program Director. Unfortunately, all of the news of 1999 was not good. The State Fire Marshal closed the Dixie and it was designated for office use only. But the community was determined to rescue the landmark and fund-raisers continued at a rapid pace. Just some of the most successful events included a Pledge Campaign, a Dessert Theater, a Bridge Party, a Ruston Parks and Recreation Haunted House, a Gospel Show and a Raising the Dixie Campaign which alone netted $100,000. In November of 2000, the Capital Cabinet entered Phase 2 of their work with Travis DeFreese at the helm. Phase 1 had been very successful with $441,000 raised but that left $397,000 still needed. For the next two years, another wave of equally innovative fund-raisers were held in order to secure the remaining funds required. There was the Dimes for the Dixie in the Lincoln Parish Schools, the "Have a Seat" campaign for a $1,000 donation, Russ Town events, Ain't Misbehavin' Band concerts and Community Talent Shows.
With the majority of the fund-raising completed, considerations were turned toward Operational Goals for the first five years of the Dixie's new life. A group of Priority Partners was selected to provide homes for community cultural organizations which had long been without an official home. Those included the North Central Louisiana Arts Council, Ruston Community Theatre and the Ruston Civic Symphony.
In 2004, with the Capital Outlay money secured, the contract was signed with Lincoln Builders for the necessary work and renovation and reconstruction began. The official groundbreaking, organized by Nancy Bergeron, took place in December of 2004 with representatives of each group involved in the long road to new life for the Dixie manning the shovels. Included in that group were Lenora Miller, John Emory, Bill Jones, Jay McCallum, Randy Ewing, Hollis Downs, Tommy Folk, Linda Graham, Travis DeFreese, Michele Sills, Stacy King, Heather Slay, Nancy Wallace, Dan Hollingsworth, Mickey Mays, Richard Durrett, Russell LeDay, Walter Savage, Bruce Cowan, Kelley Hogan, David Hedgepeth, Becky Napper, John Sachs, Don Kessler, George Byrnside, Danny Graham and Lincoln Builders.
The year 2005 closes with work continuing on the
future of the Dixie with a Brick Campaign to fund the construction
of Intermission Park and with the first election of the Center Stars-Friends
of the Dixie. Efforts have been made with this brief and incomplete history, to highlight a path of many decades which has seen many setbacks but ultimate victory. It has not been possible to include all of the names because of the number of those involved and because of the many who made their contributions anonymously. Organizers and supporters from the beginning have wished to save a landmark which holds many memories for those who knew the Dixie as an exciting movie and entertainment center in their youth. But it is also hoped that the new Dixie will encourage visitors from out of town to enjoy what has been saved for the pleasure of all in an expanded area. Thus, the Dixie Center for the Arts is a rediscovery for hometowners and a discovery for visitors. In conclusion, this has been a 10-year pilgrimage for the Dixie Center for the Arts starting in 1996 and concluding in 2006 with the Grand Opening and Celebration.
The Future Of The Dixie Center of the Arts!
|
It
is the story of a building in the heart of Ruston salvaged from demolition
by a determined community which saw value in its preservation and
rebirth for another century of live performances as well as a home
for cultural organizations which also have long histories. It is
the story of the Dixie Theater.
Tragedy
marked the history of the theater in January of 1933 when fire destroyed
the stage, fixtures, part of the sound apparatus and part of the
seats in the balcony of the Rialto. The alarm went out at 3:15 a.m.
and the Fire Chief seemed to think that the fire started near the
corner of a recently erected vent for a new cooling system installed
the past summer.
Repairs
began in a matter of weeks with the purpose of opening at the earliest
date. The interior of the theater was relined with sound materials
to further augment perfect sound control and assure the best acoustic
properties.
In
1936, the theater sold from T. L. James to the T. L. James Co. for
$21,000. In 1937, the property sold again, this time to the Art Investment
Corp. for $54,000. Active control and management of the Rialto went
to the Dixie Theater Corp. of New Orleans. The theater operated with
few changes until 1956 when it was closed for remodeling.
The
year 1980 brought another sale of the theater, this time to James
Howard of Ruston. He bought the theater for $100,000 and started
the Dixie Jamboree which lasted from 1980 to 1994.
In
1997, the DCA and other supporters were instrumental in garnering
the efforts of State Senator. Randy Ewing and State Rep. Jay McCallum
in requesting a Rural Development Grant for the restoration and
revitalization of the theater.
the
restoration of the Dixie. Supporters and volunteers wasted no time
in beginning massive efforts to raise the local funds necessary to
completely fund the project.
At
the same time that the final fund-raising was continuing, the decision
was made to purchase the old gasoline station located next to the
theater. Environmental issues caused delays but it was torn down
and the lot was completely clear free of charge by Frazier Construction
Co. That provided an empty space next to the theater which will be
called "Intermission Park" and offers a space for conversation
during the program intermissions or before and after performances.
One
loyal employee, Mary Ann Willoughby, helped to carry the load of
keeping the minimal office running and coordinating volunteer activities.
Under
the leadership of Tommy Folk, Vice President and Building Committee
Chairman, it was necessary to break the project into two phases due
to cost. The board began the necessary process of re-design to get
the project back into its limited budget. Michele Sills, President
of the Board, along with her executive committee and community advisors,
John Sachs, Tommy Folk, David Hedgepeth, Travis DeFreese, John Emory,
George Byrnside, Catherine McVea, Linda Graham and Becky Napper,
worked diligently toward the transition of a fund raising Board of
Directors to unifying operations Board of Directors. 
