Donor Spotlight

Donor Spotlight

Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary | Generosity rooted in pride, remembrance, dedication to home

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Logan Theater Fund

Click here to support the Logan Theater Fund’s renovation campaign — just designate Logan Theater Fund using the online form! Read below for more information on the Fund and the difference it hopes to make for arts and culture in Logan.


THEN

Located in downtown Logan, the theater building was built in 1925 as a Masonic Lodge Temple and known as the Knights of Pythias Building. The theater’s opening night was November 1, 1926 to a capacity crowd who watched “Jolly Tars” and “The Campus Flirt.” Phil Chakeres leased the building in 1936 and later purchased it in 1948. In its heyday, the theater presented Vaudeville performances, singers, cowboy entertainers, famous live performers, and movies. Sammy Davis, Jr. performed on stage when he was a child.

Chakeres decided to close the theater in Logan, but there was one last short lived attempt at keeping the movie theater open. The last movie to be shown in the building was “Unforgiven” in 1992.

TODAY

In 2018, Logan Town Center, with a generous individual contribution and support from Citizens Bank of Logan (now Merchant’s National Bank) purchased the building with the vision of restoring the building to a vital part of the community as a Theater and Community Center. From this the nonprofit organization of Logan Theater, Inc. was born, with a fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to support fundraising efforts.

THE WAY FORWARD

Plans are to renovate the theater for the community and visitors to enjoy movies and live performances. Our goal is to maintain the heritage and nostalgia of the building along with updating the technology for such systems as sound, lighting, and environmental control. The board members of Logan Theater, Inc. are dedicated to seeing this vision through. Renovation costs are estimated at approximately $2.8 million. Funds from our Community Partnerships, grants and state funds are actively being pursued. These funds are not expected to cover the total cost. Individual and company donations are also needed.


We invite you to join us in revitalizing this legacy for downtown Logan!

  • VOLUNTEER your time or services. There is a lot that needs to be accomplished during the renovation period and beyond. Volunteer your time or provide services individually or through your company or organization.
    Please contact any board member or
    Email us at: info@logantheater.org
    For more information: www.logantheater.org
  • DONATIONS can be made currently or over time. To give a gift you may donate online or by check. To donate online, click here and designate the Logan Theater Fund.

Make checks payable to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio with “Logan Theater Fund” in the memo line and mail to Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764. Pledges and payment plans are available; please contact the foundation for information by phone at 740-753-1111 or via email at info@ffao.org