Let’s set the scene to Saturday December 2, 1939 in Woodsfield, Ohio at the Monroe Theatre. On this date the theatre showed its very first double feature movie, starring Penny Singleton in “Blondie Meets The Boss”, and “The Under Pup” starring Gloria Jean. According to Glen Fliehman, the manager at that time had established a policy to show many double features. The standard price of admission for adults was a meer $.15 cents and for children $.10 to attend.

Where the Monroe Theatre stands today a department store once stood. The department store was reported to have closed due to a bankruptcy. The theatre was then built in 1939 by Mrs. Mena Fliehman, under the name Woodsfield Amusement Company. The theatre had a “Cry Room” and “Private Party” Room installed during its contruction. How unbelievably cool is it to know that in the year 1939 a theatre was built that included these rooms? A cry room was available for any mother with children. Mothers could go and enjoy the show themselves without annoying others or interupting the enjoyment of anyone attending the show. The party room was constructed to provide a private atmosphere for those enjoying private parties. In this room they could smoke, be loud, and enjoy the privacy of their own group while the show was being observed. Mrs. Fliehman is noted for operating at least three and possibly four theatres in the area at that time.

The Monroe Theatre became well known and admirably affiliated not only to Hollywood celebrities, but also to Nashville stars who later joined the Grand Ole Opry, with many of them being inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

Beginning in 1956 the Monroe Theatre housed the biggest PAN-O–Rama movie screen in the Ohio Valley. It is believed this still holds true to the current date and time in 2022.

If you can only imagine! The Monroe Theatre actually had famous performers step foot on its stage. Oh, the history the theatre holds, from performers such as; Earnest Tubb, Hank Snow, Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, and Little Jimmy Dickens.

During a 1946 Frankie “Pee Wee” King Grand Ole Opry Show held at the Monroe Theatre, a young lady named Virginia “Ginny” Patterson Hensley, who was a mere 15 years old and had dropped out of high school hit the stage. Her mother’s boyfriend was part of the band and they had taken Ginny traveling with them that night. This young lady later became known as the all time famous “Patsy Cline.”

The Woodsfield area was known as a location to house the the Grand Ole Opry’s Talent Tents that came to town during various times, where many local artists would audition for their spot on the Grand Ole Opry. This was something like our very own and now famous TV series “America’s Got Talent”.

During that era Hank Snow and Hank Williams were going around on tour together, performing as the Hank and Hank Show. However, only Hank Snow performed on the famous stage at the Monroe Theatre. Hank Williams unfortunatly landed himself in jail on a drunk and disorderly and never made it to the Monroe for his performance. The only thing that was left separating the Monroe Theatre from the Opry or the Jamboree was simply the fact that the Monroe Theatre didn’t have it’s own radio station. Don’t hold your breath, as that may just happen yet. The first Jamboree was held on stage of the Monroe September 12, 1940.

Moving ahead 38 years later, with the uprising of video stores and many cinemas being added to local malls it brought forth difficulties for the Monroe Theatre causing it to close its doors. The Monroe just couldn’t compete with the upcoming changes in the entertainment industries. The theatre then was used only for a short time as an auction house and antique venue until it completely concluded and it’s doors were closed.

However, hope for the theatre was on the horizon. In June of 2016 two generous souls Gary and Nancy Rubel, then owners of the theatre at that time donated the theatre to a non- profit organization known as the Monroe Arts Council. During the next six months the council searched for people who might have an interest in possibly restoring the theatre. Meetings were held and committees were formed in order to press forward towards the restoration of the famous landmark theatre.

In January 2017, those individuals on the theatre committiees started out with some goals set by “the seat of our pants,” as Chairman of Operations Mick Schumacher stated. They started cleaning, removing debris, installing temporary lighting, working on fundraisers, and learning all about the restoration process they faced ahead of them.

In April of 2018 they received a $20,000.00 grant. This grant was awarded to them by the Baker Foundation and would facilitate the first step of the process in completing the feasibility study on the theatre. They also received a $5,000.00 Rover Grant in that same time frame. Following in the months of May and June they were notified that the Palace Theater in Columbus, Ohio, was getting new theater seats and were going to be giving away their old ones via donation to those in asking. Schumacher made the call and requested the seating. The Palace Theater in turn made the decision to donate 600 seats to the Monroe Theatre.

The Monroe was known to be able to seat 350 but the committee had plans in the making of building a balcony in its future so the 600 seat donation was appreciated. On Memorial day weekend a few members gathered and made several trips to Columbus to retrieve the seats. Once the seats were obtained a fundraising idea was entertained involving the new seats. The fundraiser was opened up to any individual who was interested in purchasing a seat in honor of, in memory of, in their own names, or even to businesses for the amont of $200.00, which would include their name on the backs of the seats. It turned out to be a phenomenal benefit to the Monroe Theatre.

In June 2019, The Monroe Theatre hosted its first performance on stage in 50 years. During Alumni weekend “Backwoods Boogiegrass” took the stage. This was a fly by night decision and thrown into place before the theatre was even ready for any performances, but the performance got people in the seats at the Monroe which proved to be a success.

At this point in the game it was “All or Nothing” going forward. The first movie in over 40 years was shown in September 2019. From then to sometime in 2021 the Monroe held a variety of entertainment events all free of charge or as close to free as possible for the community as the theatre moved through renovation. This included the very first “Monroe Has Talent show”, the theatre was standing room only for this event with local artist Mike Calovini taking home the win.

In December 2019, the installation of four new furnaces began in hopes to continue forward with more events and shows on stage. Then the inevitable happened and caused a whirlwind of despair. Covid -19 hit the area and closed everything down. What was the Monroe Theatre to do? They had come so far! Never fear, Rick Brown, the stage, entertainment, and box office manger came to the rescue. After much discussion and many ideas it was finalized and Brown began livestreaming shows on Facebook during the pandemic.

Unbeknownst to him that this streaming would take off and increase the amount of individuals watching the Monroe Theatre. This allowed viewers as far away as Canada and Norway to tune in on the entertainment. This brought upwards of 6,000 devices enjoying the livestreams, and inturn donations streamed in saving the disappointment Covid had brought forth.

Throughout the remainder of 2020 the Monroe Theatre was able to secure $340,000.00 in funding coming from CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and through the Ohio Capital Budget, and various Federal, State, and Local grant connections.

Progressing forward to January 2021 research began for early performances at the theatre. March brought forth the beginning of the National Registry application process. In May the Concessions and Box Office were added to the main floor and in June of 2021 the First Country Music Hall of Fame entertainer in over 50 years hit the stage. In August 2021, the theatre was able to do renovation and include two ADA restrooms.

2021 allowed many performers to hit the stage including Phil Dirt and The Dozers a 50’s & 60’s group who honored The Beach Boys. As well, Jimmy Fortune who in turn imposed tickets sales as far away as Nebraska and Wisconsin.

On May 15, 2021, the Monroe Theatre held the Monroe Theatre Country Music Jamboree. At that time they inducted their first lifetime member into the Jamboree. This award was for their First Lady of Country Music and was awarded to “Mrs. Sue Emery Williams.” During this Jamboree Cole Winland the 2020 winner of “Monroe Has Talent” performed. Winland also had a sidekick during his performance that night. His young daughter trotted her way on stage strumming her little guitar, all the while bringing smiles to the faces of those in the crowd. Those smiles are what makes the Monroe Theatre and those working diligently toward its renovation proud.

The Monroe Theatre hasn’t stopped and 2022 has an astonishing line up. It may not be as many as the 74 events housed in 2021, but its caliber sure has moved right up the line. Rick Brown said ” I saw my first movie at the Monroe in 1977 and I remember the movie well as it was the movie “Bambie”. Shortly after the theatre was closed.

He went on to say, “The Monroe Theatre is a special place. We are like family and we want everyone to feel welcome and like family when they walk through those front doors.” This theatre has come a long way and renovations are coming along but there is a long road ahead but “we have faith in what is to come” Schumacher advised. He went on to say ” It’s like finding a buried treasure in front of the courthouse!”

The Monroe has multiple avenues they are following with events ranging from performances, bands, auctions, movies, Jamborees, and so much more. Just like in the past, the possibilities are happening. Even the Monroe County Fair royalties have hit the stage and Election Day results have streamed the big screen with live election coverage. The amount of opportunity the Monroe Theatre holds is endless.

The theatre holds showcase after showcase of memorabilia of many past stars. Even the mannaquin in the front lobby wears an original 1920s flapper outfit. The history, the story, the atmosphere, and the gentle friendliness given to every individual who walks into the Monroe Theatre is one you will not forget. This group has worked tirelessly day and night to offer something remarkable for Monroe County.

An array of entertainers, and events have graciously been offered to provide enjoyment in a fun, friendly, family oriented environment. The Monroe Theatre and the Monroe Arts Council extend their invitation all around to come out and witness first hand just what the Historical Monroe Theatre has to offer. They have a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheMonroeTheatre/ you also can click the link from there for Monroe Theatre ticket sales. The Monroe Theatre is coming alive and it is not something you want to miss. Help save the memories of the Historical Monroe Theatre.