Patrons Try To Save Will Rogers Theatre

Another effort is being made to save the Will Rogers Theater in Charleston. Dave Stevens is a member of the Will Rogers Project. He says the theater should be auctioned at a sheriff's sale in December. Another of the group's members, Earl Halbe, expects the price to be about $100,000. Members hope the price will be lower if it goes to a buyer willing to restore it. A previous restoration attempt failed. The organization is seeking to become a not-for-profit. It is using another nonprofit, the historic Five Mile House, to accept donations in the interim. Halbe says the group hopes the theater's future includes community activities as well as movies.