Group looks to finish restoring N.W. Ind. theater
FOWLER, Ind. — Supporters are gearing up for their next phase in preserving the 1940s movie theater in a small northwestern Indiana town.
A corps of volunteers helps run the 184-seat Fowler Theatre and staff its concession stand as movies are shown on weekend nights. Theater manager Karen Moyars tells the Journal & Courier that nearly $500,000 has been spent so far on the restoration work, including reconstruction of the marquee and ticket booth.
The theater about 30 miles northwest of Lafayette also received a $90,000 grant this year to buy a digital projection system, giving it a better chance to land new movies.
Moyars says the nonprofit group that owns the theater is trying to raise $300,000 for new seating and stage renovation. That includes selling seat sponsorships for $350 each.