MORE WORK BEING DONE AT THE PRINCESS

Now this is what I like...people seeing work being done at the Princess and reporting it to me.  Any work recorded will be added to the Princess Theater blog, which is really just a historical documentation of what happened to get our Princess restored.

Thanks Matt Waters (Channel 15 Manager) for these photos.  Please don't hesitate to seen photos anytime!

Matt reports that a concrete pad for a large trash bin has been poured in the alley behind the Princess and the Channel 15 studio, and that holes were drilled in the Princess wall for supports for the trash bin.

To me it's all restoration work and work documenting for the future.

Like I have stated before, it would have been nice if someone had documented the rebuilding of the Princess back in 1939.  These photos will mean something to future generations...long after we are all gone!

BTW, if you know these guys, please post a comment identifying them!

A LITTLE RESTORATION UPDATE!

Stopped by the Princess today, just to see what had changed over the past two or three weeks.  The place has been cleaned up and looked pretty good, at least as much as a construction site can be cleaned with ongoing work.

One thing that struck me was how much you can see the old original lobby floor through the dust.  I'm sure it will be spit-shined (if not replaced) as the final act, but at least there was enough visible that it brought back old memories of standing by the concession stand waiting on my popcorn and drink.

Just about then, Jim Duncan walked up behind me and made me jump!  He keeps a pretty close watch on things down there daily.  We reminisced a little and then he went one way and I pushed forward into the recesses wearing my hardhat.

The cut from the Margrave building side into the Tappan side has been made and both sides are being sheet-rocked.

As I passed the complex later that evening, there were people on the roof of the Tappan building and debris was being jettisoned off the side into the dumpster on the street below.

Bottom line, there is a lot of working being done by a very aggressive work crew these days.  It seems to me that there is a strong push on to wind things up ahead of some unannounced schedule, which doesn't bother me any at all!

I've also heard that the retrofit of the old lighting fixtures has been completed, so I hope to have a photo, or two, of those in a day or two.  I think seeing them will really be exciting and bring back even more memories of the good times I spent in the Princess.

I also noticed a lot more wiring work in the main auditorium.  Note the trenches in the photo above that have been cut into the concrete floor for more power and sound wiring. Believe me, there are miles of new conduit and wiring that have been laid and pulled in this restoration job.  New wiring and outlets are everywhere.  It could be said that conduit and wiring, not just steel and brick, is holding up the new Princess!

More to come!

Governor Appoints Bill Landry To The Tennessee Historical Commission

I'm a little late getting this out, but I just received the press release about, and a photo of, my friend Bill Landry and his new book that is coming out next month*.  However, the current big news is his appointment as East Tennessee's Historical Commission Representative.

 _____________________

The official announcement reads:
Governor, Bill Haslam, announced on July 5, 2011 that Bill Landry has been appointed as East Tennessee Representative of the Tennessee Historical Commission. The appointment is effective immediately and runs through June 30, 2016. 

 

In making the announcement, the Governor writes:

“In the thorough, aggressive search for candidates, your individual characteristics and professional qualifications were exceptional among the number of nominees who expressed interest. I consider it very important to ensure that Tennessee’s boards and commissions are filled with the most dedicated and qualified citizens. I believe that your participation   is certain to leave a positive impact on this board and the work it does. 

 

Thank you for your interest in state government and for your willingness to serve your fellow citizens of Tennessee in this way. Please accept my very best wishes. I look forward to working with you and all Tennesseans to make our great state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”  

        

Landry is best known as the voice, host/narrator, and co-producer of THE HEARTLAND SERIES, which is in its 26th year of running on WBIR-TV, Channel 10, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since it began in 1984, over 1,900 short features have been produced, including 150 half-hour specials. WBIR –TV suspended production of the short features in September 2009, but continues to produce four hour-long specials annually. 

Landry’s appointment coincides with the much anticipated publication of his new book, “Appalachian Tales and Heartland Adventures.” Celtic Cat Publishing will release the 200 page tabletop book in September 2011*. The book includes approximately 170 pictures and 100 stories that provide behind the scenes insight into the making of the Series.  

Most recently, Landry has been assisting with the development of the Princess Theater Educational Complex in Harriman, Tennessee; teaching at Lincoln Memorial University; working with Hallsdale/Powell Utilities, and doing voice-overs with Sevier County Economic Development Council for their web site. Landry lives in Tallassee, Tennessee with his wife, Becky, next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

For more info:  Contact: Jim Johnston, 250-9964

*Bill's book will be sold locally at the Rocky Top General Store.  I'll let you know when it is available, and when Bill will be there to autograph your copy!

PRINCESS CANOPY BEING PREPARED FOR NEW MARQUEE!

If you drive by the Princess this week, you'll probably notice the new shiny metal skin being added to the lower canopy.  It can't be long before the new LED marquee is installed!

If you look closely at the photo, you can see new AC units on the roof of the complex on either side of the Princess.  It's progress I like to see!

MEGAN ANDERSON FULFILLS ANOTHER PRINCESS MILESTONE

Owen Driskill, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Roane State Community College, has just announced the appointment of Megan Anderson as the manager of the "new" Princess Theatre!

This is a welcomed milestone in the progression of things to come for the Princess and Roane County.  

I haven't met her as yet, but the attached release outlines a ten year history of broad experience in theater production, and it sounds like she understands what the Princess dream means to us.

Best of luck Megan and welcome to our area and to our beloved Princess project!  We all look forward to supporting you in this important role.

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Aug. 3, 2011

Megan Anderson named manager of Princess Theater

Megan Anderson has been named manager of the historic Princess Theater in downtown Harriman.

Anderson has more than 10 years of experience in theater production. Her background includes technical skills such as lighting, sound, and camera operation and includes business services such as payroll and customer relations.

“I am thrilled to become the manager of the revitalized Princess Theater,” Anderson said. “I know how much the Princess means to the community, and I am looking forward to providing outstanding events and educational opportunities at the Princess.”

Since March 2001, Anderson has worked extensively in the theater industry. Her experience includes several roles and responsibilities for a variety of events and organizations, including:

• Camera operator, switcher operator, and sound and lights operator for the USA Gospel Entertainers Musician Awards in Nashville

• Associate producer for the Smoky Mountain Cowboy Campmeeting Broadcast in Pigeon Forge

• Production associate on the special events staff for Landmark Communications Group in Nashville

• Associate producer for the Nashville Cowboy Church

• Special events staff member and camera operator for the Country Radio Seminar

• Special events staff member for the annual Country Music Awards

Anderson, a Nashville native, began her theater career in 2001. As a teenager, she worked at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville. During her three years there, she was a cashier; worked in concessions and housekeeping; helped manage payroll; operated spotlights; and served as the light director and as assistant sound manager.

“I’ve been working in theaters since I was 16 years old, and it’s going to be an amazing experience to show students everything that goes on in a theater,” Anderson said. “I’m really excited, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Anderson, 25, graduated from Volunteer State Community College in 2006 and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and electronic media from the University of Tennessee in 2009. She will begin her duties on Aug. 15.

The theater manager’s role includes recruiting shows and events to the theater, fundraising, publicity and promoting arts in the community. Anderson will also assist with Roane State theater productions.

The Princess Theater is undergoing renovation as part of efforts to revitalize historic downtown Harriman. Constructed in 1926, the Princess was once a showplace. During its best years, the 900-seat theater screened movies to capacity crowds, but the Princess closed in 1999. Renovations to the Princess are scheduled to be complete this fall.

Roane State will assist with maintenance of the Princess Theater and provide expertise in purchasing equipment and coordinating events.

The theater is part of the planned Princess Performing Arts, Education and Conference Center, which also includes Channel 15, a television station operated by Roane State and the City of Harriman.

SUPPORT FOR AND HARD WORK ON THE PRINCESS CONTINUES

If you've walked by Channel 15 on Roane Street lately, you've probably noticed the large check in the window.  A $2500 donation was recently received from Knox Heritage.  This money is officially designated as a "Save Our Signs Grant" and was given toward the construction of a new Princess Theatre marquee that will give a modern touch to the original marquee design.  Placement of the updated marquee is expected very soon!

Rest assured folks, there are lots of people on our side.  Like us, they want to see the Princess born again with a new purpose in life - not just to entertain us once again, but to educate and motivate our children!

You would also hear sounds of progress as you pass on up the street and pass the Princess.  There is a lot of work going on inside the old Margrave Drug and Tappan buildings.

Inside the "Margrave" building the elevator supports have been installed and are awaiting the installation of the elevator that will allow all patrons, regardless of their mobility, access to the balcony.  Two wheelchair ramps, on either side of the balcony, will give these audience members a grand view of the stage.

On the "Margrave" side of the wall between the "Tappan" building is a distinctive outline on the brick between steel supports.  

On the opposite side of the wall I found two workers laboring in their attempt to cut through the wall.  

This is where the new concession area will serve the expanded lobby.  Customers will place their orders on the "Margrave" side, while Princess workers will serve them from the "Tappan" side.  

To get a better perspective of the planned arrangement look at the new floor plan drawing again by CLICKING HERE.

They told me it was hard work, and were having some issues with the cut through the old fireproof wall, but they weren't giving up!

In the auditorium, the scaffolding is still up, but you can see and hear work going on up there too.  It shouldn't be long before all the framework comes down and the serious finishing detail work will begin.

The dust from the construction is being swept and washed away back in the prop and dressing room areas, and it won't be long before the lights, vanities, and chairs are placed.

And, as you know, when you drive by you can see that things change daily.  The glass and doors are in the store fronts that were just roughed in supports just a week ago.

Things are progressing, not as fast as we would like, but we do want it done right.  We will soon be proud of our Princess once again!

THE PRINCESS ADDED TO NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S GEOTOURISM MAPGUIDE

As a matter of record, I'm posting here what I posted to nominate the “Princess Performing Arts, Education and Conference Center” to be included on the National Geographic "Geotourism MapGuide" for the East Tennessee River Valley.  The nomination was accepted and made "active" recently.  Now when travelers think of coming to this area on vacation they can easily find everything of interest in our area.  The Princess Theatre will soon be up and operating and there will be plenty of entertainment for visitors to enjoy.

I encourage you all to go to the nomination page (CLICK HERE) and give our Princess the thumbs up!

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Soon Harriman, and the Roane County, Tennessee area will see a fourth rebirth of their beloved Princess Theater. The birth of the Princess came in 1926, but the theater was heavily damaged in 1932 by fire. In 1939 the theater was completely gutted by yet another fire! Ten months after that January fire, its second and most devastating fire, which caused and estimated 50,000 1939 dollars worth of damage, the Princess Theater reopened the third time to grand local fanfare and Hollywood well wishes.

After closing in 1999, a dream has been ever present in hearts and minds of many area residents. But maybe that dream burned most with Muse Watson and Gary Baker who had the idea of buying the Princess about the same time, however, in the beginning they were competitors. Muse heard that a “Harriman Business Man” was also interested in buying the Princess. Muse just knew that this “business man” was going to buy it first and “put in a parking lot”! So Muse calls Gary and they realize they have the same dream, a dream to preserve the Princess and create a place that children could come and learn about “the arts”. Not only could they learn about the arts, but come away with an educated experience that would serve them in careers in the arts and media. After talking it over several times, they decided to join forces, and together they bought the Princess. Later it was turned over to the City of Harriman, and is now waiting to be turned over to Roane State Community College.

In September of 2009, a the Princess Theater Board of Directors accepted a resolution stating that “The Princess Theater Foundation Board accepts Frank Sparkman as the architect of record, as well as, the design and construction manager for the Princess Complex Project.”

Frank Sparkman, of Sparkman & Associates Architects, Incorporated, has over 32 years of experience and expertise in theater restoration. Frank Sparkman has been dreaming of working on this project for nearly ten years, and began working with the foundation back in 2000.

The firm’s specialty is the restoration and preservation of historic buildings of all types. The Princess will be restored to its former glory, while bringing the interior up to current building and safety codes. Modernizing the Princess will be done in such a way as to preserve the historic qualities that will one day (hopefully soon) qualify the Princess Theatre to be added to National Registry of Historic Places.

The Princess will be the largest small town theater on which the firm has worked. The Princess ranks in the large category because of its 900 seating capacity (400 balcony/500 ground level). The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville is only a 750 seat facility. Naturally, seats have gotten larger, as we, as a people, have grown, so some space will be lost. Still the theater should remain in the large theatre category!

The Princess is currently reaching the end of a restoration project that will give the theater a new purpose and lease on life. The restoration project has been a long journey that began with a “dream”, a dream that almost didn’t happen due to lack of funding. However, with a Tennessee State grant for a “trailhead”, and a TVA grant given after the devastating Kingston ash spill, funding has been made available and the project is well on its way to a late fall 2011 grand opening.

The restored Princess Theater will be home to classic movies, reunions, gospel concerts, country and blue grass music shows and festivals, and stage productions. Since Roane State will have two theatre stages, more plays will give more students experience in lighting, prop building, sound engineering, TV and video camera and editing equipment, and, of course, the art of acting and directing. Remember too, that whatever happens on the Princess stage can be broadcast out on Comcast’s broadband network to numerous counties in East Tennessee, or even picked up from the fiber and uplinked to satellites that could take productions nationwide!

The Roane State/City of Harriman’s Channel 15 studio, which began broadcasting in December of 2010, itself will have the latest in sound engineering and recording, video/sound editing, switching, CGI set generation, and video cameras. It is conceivable that locally produced television programs could be uplinked to buyers like National Geographic, Discovery, and others. This is exactly how shows like “Dirtiest Jobs”, “Pickers”, “Pawn Shop”, etc. get produced and sold to cable channels. They originate in small studios by someone locally who also has a dream!

Roane State Community College will manage and perpetually preserve our dream. Once the restoration is complete, ownership will be transferred to RSCC. Through their educational funding, they will be able to add the new facilities to their funding care. This will mean that the floors will be swept, the lights will burn, the water will run, and the heat and air will run. The benefit to our children is that they can come to Roane State and prepare themselves for the future by taking “Mass Communications and Art” courses. These credits will be transferable to other four-year institutions. However, our students will have the added experience of actual hands-on television and theater productions work.

“The Princess Performing Arts, Education and Conference Center” exemplifies a place where culture will be continually given to the residents of Harriman and the entire valley area. This historical facility is part of the local culture and lives in the hearts of those that were privileged to have enjoyed a Saturday matinee, or a weekend date with their first loves, there. This culture will be passed on to succeeding generations through movies, plays, music, and a unique learning experience. The Princess Theatre will also win over the hearts and minds of visitors to the area for years to come.

Seasons Open: The Princess will be open year around once the restoration is complete.

Hours Open: The lobby (Tennessee Trailhead) will be open M-Sat., 9 to 5

Fees: Depends on performance.

Eco-Friendly NotesThe theatre and marquee will utilize new LED technology for lighting.

JUST ANOTHER RESTORATION UPDATE ON THE PRINCESS

I'm still getting consoled because the Princess Project has run out of money...sad, especially when one can just drive by and see that the restoration is alive and well!  I've stopped defending it verbally, and just ask them to check out the Princess Blog...pictures are worth so much more than words.

Oh yea of little faith...what a great surprise it will be to you one day.  Yep, you'll wake up some glad morning, take off your blinders, and there she will be...still welcoming you to come inside, as if you had always believed!

So, if anyone whispers a rumor about the Princess to you, just direct them to this blog...more than enough said!

PRINCESS RESTORATION UPDATE

Pictures speak a thousand words, and this post is a pure photo exposé on the current progress of the Princess restoration.  So much has happened since my last tour of the project and I was so surprised, pleased, and down right proud!

That's exactly how Rhonda Whiting (Sister's of the Silver Sage) and "Marshal" Andy Smalls felt when they visited the complex Monday.  The two local celebrities came to the Channel 15 studio to record some promos for the Princess and add their support for the project.  They both plan on performing soon on the Princess stage!

Currently, the projected opening is early fall, but I can't give you a firm date as yet.  You know how construction/restoration projects go, so just remain calm and I'll let you know the date/s and times of the two-day grand opening "party" that's planned!

Now, on to the photos!

Frank Sparkman (beard) and project supervisor Bill Milburn go over changes to the blueprints in the lobby of the Princess. 

There are miles of electrical, sound, and video wiring in hundreds of runs of conduit going into the project.

The new modern electrical room fits neatly around the walls of the prop/storage room, which is inside the new addition to the east rear wall of the Princess.

Performers will be able to park just outside the rear of the theater and bring their equipment directly to the stage on the right (photo above).  The electrical room is on the right of this photo, and the "dressing rooms" are straight down the hall on the left. 

Notice how thick the original Princess outside wall is!

The new door on the left is cut from the original Princess lobby and into the old Margrave drugstore area, where a new concession counter will be cut through the right wall (see next photo down) and into the Tappan building area.

Within the steel framed area above will be the new concession counter.  The framed in area shown in the photo above will house the elevator to the balcony.

This photo shows the inside of the "Tappan" building.  The working area of the concession counter will be framed in on the left wall.  Further back, in the dark, is the wall that separates the "dressing room" areas from this section of the complex.

These vertical shots were placed here, basically for convenience...they fit nicely!  The one on the left is of the original upstairs women's restroom, and the right one is looking through the new doorway from the "Margrave" building into the current lobby.  The new lobby area will cover both the original lobby, where there will be another concessions area, and the expanded lobby area within the Margrave building.  (See the floor plan for reference HERE!)

Up in the balcony I found the projection booth and two new enclosures on each side.  The projection booth will be used as it was intended, while the two other enclosures will provide housing for storage and sound equipment.

The balcony flooring is presently covered while wiring, AC/HVAC, lighting, and ceiling work is being done.  You can also see the strong new roofing support at the top of the photo.

The original upstairs mezzanine, outside the restrooms, will be getting a new face-lift as well.  Note the old mirror hanging over the stairs...it will soon reflect a new modern theater!

This photo shows the inside of the women's "dressing room".  Use your imagination and see the multiple lighted mirrors hanging along the wall, with actors busily applying makeup and reciting lines!

Actors will leave the "dressing rooms" on the right and travel the short distance to the stage entrance on the left.  Frank Sparkman stands in the alley behind the Princess.

The new addition with a roll-up door to the alley opens into the prop/storage area.  This is roll-up door is where performers will roll their equipment to the stage.

Many long hot hours have been spent on this project by local workers doing manual labor necessary to make the complex work properly.  The steel framed areas will be new doorways into the theater area.  This particular work is being done just behind the "dressing rooms" in the "Margrave" building area.

This photo shows back stage at the Princess and the basement opening.

This shot is from the stage toward the balcony.  It won't be long before all this scaffolding will be torn down and the ceiling, lighting, and painting will all be done.  Then comes the flooring and seating...how exciting is that!

 

It won't be long now until we will step up to the ticket booth (left) and purchase a ticket for the best entertainment around!

Outside, the new LED lights of the Princess' marquee will beckon us into her seats and "the dream" will be complete!

If there is anything, or particular place, you would like to see presented here, let me know by leaving a comment.

Hope to see all of you soon at the Princess!

 

JUNE'S CRUISIN' IN HARRMAN OFFERS A SPECAIL TRIBUTE TO ONE OF ITS OWN

Again this past Saturday, the 2nd Saturday of the month, "Cruisin' In Harriman" celebrated on Roane Street with classic cars, games, food, music, and dancing, as always.  However, this particular Saturday was special.  The colleagues of long time Harriman supporter, event worker, and publisher/editor of the "Roane Reader" Sandra Lemons Stout, remembered their beloved friend in a very special way.

Sandra stood with them again, as she has for years, advertising her popcorn and t-shirt sales.  

The UPS Store in Midtown made a life size blowup of a photo I took of her one year ago.  It made a difference in the mood of the event, without which the occasion would have much more somber and lonely.  

 

Even husband Johnny Stout seemed moved by the photo and sat near it with a bit of a smile on his face.  He knows what Harriman, the Princess, and the many events she supported meant to her, and, in a way, she was there.

I have it on good authority that Sandra will make another appearance at the Princess grand opening...coming this fall!  She always wanted to be there, and she will!

Again we wish to thank Sandra (and her entire family) for all she did for her community over the years, and mostly for just being our friend.

Also on hand, as the winner does every June, was "Miss Polk Salad"!  This year's winner Taylor Lindsay put smiles on everyone's face as she signed autographs, played games, and danced to the music.  David Webb, the president of the Tennessee "Polk Salad" Association, was also on hand to present this year's winner.

The Cruisin' event was hosted and emceed by Tommy Hardin, who kept the crowd singing and dancing in the streets.  Tommy always keeps events hopping and moving forward, and we were proud to have him on hand.

There are lots of events in Harriman, and in Roane County, so come on out and join us!  There's nothing more American than a good ol' fashioned street event in small town USA!