Allume' Society official owner of Frank's Theatre

Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 12:57

ABBEVILLE - On Friday, June 6, the board of the Allume’ Society in Abbeville secured the deed for the historic Frank’s Theatre located on Jefferson Street.

The group has worked for over a year to raise the necessary funds to secure the building and is now making plans to renovate it.

“Last Friday, June 6th, 2008, the ownership of the Frank’s Theatre was officially transferred to the Allumé Society. This is a monumental accomplishment, and on behalf of the board of directors, I would like to congratulate and thank everyone for the dedication, hard work, and contributions that made this first step in our dream a reality,” Allume’ Board Chairman Onézieme Mouton stated.

The group has a wealth of information about their non-profit activities and the Frank’s Theatre at www.savethefranks.com.

The Allume’ Society became interested in the historic building after the Abbeville City Council and Mayor decided to abandon the property citing too much damage and liability due to the fact that the damaged roof allowed water into the structure over long period of time.

Allume’ then secured permission from the owner of the Building, and started the process of cleanup with the intention that the roof is the first item to be constructed in order to preserve the rest of the building.

As a follow up to the transfer of ownership, we are going to have the privilege of hosting architect Scott Georgeson from Wisconsin this week.

Scott specializes in the restoration of historic theatres and he will be consulting with us concerning the Frank’s.

“We would like to invite the entire membership, and anyone else who may be interested, to join us at the Riverfront Restaurant this Thursday night (June 12) at 7:00 p.m. to meet and welcome Scott as he presents work that he has done on other historic theatres around the country. Dinner may be ordered from the Riverfront menu (Dutch-treat.),“Mouton added.

In order to set up the room properly for the event, an RSVP for attendance would be appreciated no later than Wednesday (June 11th.) Please respond by e-mail to: “Cherie LeBlanc” pittstop@ktctelecom.net.