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For Immediate Release: July 15, 2015
Contact: info@ppmemorialhall.org, 917-647-2279
BIG NEWS FROM
PINE PLAINS MEMORIAL HALL
The Pine Plains Memorial Hall (PPMH) project has taken significant initial steps toward achieving its goal of bringing the 1915 performing arts and community center back to life. Pines Plains Memorial Hall, Inc. has been granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status allowing the organization to accept tax-deductible contributions to help achieve its $4.1 million budgetary goal. The organization is also pleased to announce that the building has been certified as eligible for National Historic Preservation status. Finally, PPMH has officially launched its web site, www.ppmemorialhall.org, to serve as a digital tool to accept contributions, share project progress and enlist supporters and volunteers.
PPMH Executive Director, Brian Keeler, said of the news, “Every long journey begins with the first step and these developments have set us off on the right foot. Tax-deducible status will certainly make contributing to this great project even more appealing to large and small donors alike.”
“Historic Preservation eligibility status serves as a recognition on the part of the state that the building itself has been an important piece of Pine Plains history,” said Jack Banning, PPMH President. “Now, as we continue with our renovations and reconstruction, we will have the benefit of making sure that that history is not only preserved, but also help in teaching our history to generations to come.”
Of the web site launch, Keeler said, “Web and social media presence is part of our community outreach plan. People should be able to read up-to-date news, contribute to our project and sign up to volunteer. We will succeed only if the people of Northern Dutchess jump in and lend their skills and talents.”
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Background:
Memorial Hall was constructed in 1915 and given to the Town of Pine Plains in memory of John McIntyre, his wife, Elizabeth Hauver and their children by their philanthropic granddaughter, Mary Ellen Lapham Saunders who grew up in Pine Plains with her grandparents.
The building is an example of Second Empire architecture that included a large theatre space, and was originally build to to be used for community gatherings, theatre performances, light opera and concerts.
In addition to being a regular stop for touring theatrical groups, it was a first run movie house in the Silent Film Era. It continued operating as a movie theater until the 1960's. It was sold in 1976 at which time it was subdivided and used as a coffee shop, hair salon, offices and a Laundromat. In the 1990s it was again sold for development, which never took place, and Memorial Hall has been ever vacant since.
The Pine Plains Memorial Hall, Inc. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization will restore the theatre to its original glory where it will be a multi-use performing arts space and community center to serve Dutchess, Ulster and Columbia counties and the entire Hudson Valley region.
Photos for publication can be found on our flickr page.
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