Save the Chautauqua
Updated: June 28, 2012
SHELBYVILLE -- The community is stepping up to keep a historical building a part of its town. The Chautauqua Auditorium was built back in 1903 and it was a meeting place for people. There would be music, speakers and entertainment.
"People would come from all over the place to have a Chautauqua, at Shelbyville, in the summer time," said Noel Bolinger.
He works on the Chautauqua committee. Its history is written on the walls. Behind the stage are the names of people who have performed inside.
"There's all kind of writing back there," said Bill Dilley.
He works at Forest Park. But, wear and tear is finally taking its toll. The Chautauqua is in need of repairs and it is keeping people away.
"It's just been here for so long that people, I think, they take it for granted now," said Dilley.
"It's not comfortable, it's not conducive for people to enjoy an event there," said Bolinger.
So a committee is trying to change that.
"It's an important part of Shelbyville. It's an important part of our community and we just think it's something that we should always have," said Bolinger.
Keeping it around won't be easy and it won't be cheap. Restoring the building will cost almost $2,000,000 but it is a project the community is willing to take on.
"If we get everything fixed and in a usable condition then it will be used," said Bolinger.
So far the Chautauqua committee has raised about $150,000 for the project. It hopes to begin construction sometime next summer.
If you would like to donate to the cause, click here.
"People would come from all over the place to have a Chautauqua, at Shelbyville, in the summer time," said Noel Bolinger.
He works on the Chautauqua committee. Its history is written on the walls. Behind the stage are the names of people who have performed inside.
"There's all kind of writing back there," said Bill Dilley.
He works at Forest Park. But, wear and tear is finally taking its toll. The Chautauqua is in need of repairs and it is keeping people away.
"It's just been here for so long that people, I think, they take it for granted now," said Dilley.
"It's not comfortable, it's not conducive for people to enjoy an event there," said Bolinger.
So a committee is trying to change that.
"It's an important part of Shelbyville. It's an important part of our community and we just think it's something that we should always have," said Bolinger.
Keeping it around won't be easy and it won't be cheap. Restoring the building will cost almost $2,000,000 but it is a project the community is willing to take on.
"If we get everything fixed and in a usable condition then it will be used," said Bolinger.
So far the Chautauqua committee has raised about $150,000 for the project. It hopes to begin construction sometime next summer.
If you would like to donate to the cause, click here.
