Dear Friends,

Many of you may have seen the editorial written by Seacoast Media Group this past Tuesday about our efforts to revive the IOKA Theater. It should come as no surprise to you that we strongly disagree with their opinion and today they published our op-ed saying so. We’ve included the full text of the op-ed below.

We hope you’ll read it and take action. We need major donors to step forward and join a coalition to purchase the IOKA from the Lewis Family. You and your community have spoken and it’s clear you want the IOKA reopened as a theater, not condos, offices, or retail.

This is our last chance. Potential investors and funders should contact Board Chair Tony Callendrello at tony@exetertheater.org or Project Manager Adam Roberts at adam@exetertheater.org. Together, we can do this.

Sincerely,
Exeter Theater Company

PUBLISHED IN SEACOAST SUNDAY
April 21, 2013

Seacoast Media Group has long been a valuable voice for the Exeter Theater Company’s efforts to preserve and re-open the historic IOKA Theater with its thoughtful coverage. We were therefore disheartened by the recent editorial on April 16 diminishing the value and possibility of a re-opened IOKA.

The mission of the Exeter Theater Company is and remind to preserve and revive the IOKA as a working theater. We have been working with the Lewis family of Kensington to acquire the IOKA since Alan Lewis purchased it at auction in 2011. Mr. Lewis has since proposed and then retracted options to gift or lease us the theater. A recent campaign to raise money to purchase the IOKA from the Lewis family fell short of the amount requested. Though disappointing, this was not a surprise, considering that the building is worth far less than its $600,000 price tags and we were given only three months to raise the capital.

Through conversations with major donors, foundations and corporations it is clear to us that there is long-term support for this project, but until now these individuals and institutions have waited for the Exeter Theater Company to own the IOKA. They no longer have that option. The time is now to step forward and be as generous with their money as they have been with their support.

Our business plan summary is readily available to the public and the media at exetertheater.org/campaign.html, showing how the IOKA will be operated as a sustainable, nonprofit organization. With a comprehensive mix of earned revenue, sponsorships and public support, this theater will enrich the cultural environment of the greater Seacoast and be faithful to its financial obligations.

SMG’s editorial leaves out the substantial economic impact a re-opened IOKA Theater estimates the theater would generate $2 million annually for the community and create new jobs. It is for these and many other reasons that the Exeter business community has given us their full-throated support. The other proposed uses for the space (retail, condominiums or offices) cannot match that amount of consistent, positive investment to downtown Exeter.

The editorial also leaves out the voices of thousands of individuals who’ve written cards to the Lewis family, attended rallies, spoken out in visioning sessions and donated money and countless hours of their time to see the IOKA restored. It leaves out the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, which named the IOKA Theater to its 2012 “Seven to Save” list of “the kind of places that you can’t imagine your community without.”

The IOKA will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2015. It has been home for the best film, music and live performance this region has to offer. It has been a place of laughter and solace for this community through history’s high and low points. Through women’s suffrage, World War II, the civil rights struggle, man landing on the moon, Vietnam, Watergate and September 11, the IOKA has been here. It has been the site of countless first dates, first kisses, first jobs and “the first time I saw that!” stories. These memories are not simply empty sentiment — they are the living, breathing soul of a town that can never be replaced or recreated in a new space.

We do not know what plans the Lewis family has for the building, but have been told it is not likely to remain a theater. This is, quite frankly, our last opportunity. We ask those who have the resources to turn the tide in this struggle to step forward now. There will not be another chance.

Tony Callandrello, Chair
Julie Gilman, Secretary
Roger Goun, Treasurer
Alain Ades
Trevor Bartlett
Allison Battles
Merril Dwyer
Don Erdbrink
Lee Sollenberger
Peter Stroup
Marc Wilson

Exeter Theater Company Board of Directors

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The Exeter Theater Company released the following statement today regarding its option to purchase the IOKA Theater.

Dear Friends,

As you know, this past Sunday, we passed an important milestone.  March 31 was the deadline to exercise our option to purchase the IOKA Theater for $600,000 from its current owner, Alan Lewis.  After long and thoughtful consideration, and consultation with business and philanthropic leaders in the Seacoast community, we have decided to let the end date pass without exercising the option.

I want to be clear – our resolve to purchase, renovate, and re-open the IOKA Theater remains unchanged.  We fully intend to see this mission through.  We have all worked too long and hard – hundreds of community members, dozens of volunteers, and the Exeter Theater Company board – to stop now.

There are two central reasons that we have embarked on this course:

First, exercising the option would have required us to put down a non-refundable deposit of $60,000.  That money would have come entirely from the donations so generously given from all of you, most in amounts of $50 or $100.  We feel a responsibility to each and every one of our donors and did not feel we could take the risk of losing that deposit, as has happened in previous attempts to purchase the IOKA.

The second reason relates directly to the first. Despite the enthusiastic response from hundreds of donors at all levels across the region, many major backers are waiting in the wings to provide support, but not until we acquire the building. Their reason for hesitation is that, by all estimates, the building is worth far less than the $600,000 asking price.  Unfortunately, the theater continues to lose value due to damage caused by a leaking roof in winter weather.

Major donors are crucial to the success of a campaign of this magnitude.  I am confident that once we gain control of the theater, these donors will come through for us and we will raise the money needed for renovations.  But until that time, we can’t risk breaching the promise we made to all of our donors – that we would use their money in a wise and responsible manner.  To that end, we remain committed to our original pledge to return donations to anyone who makes that request.  We hope, however, that you will stay with us as we continue our steady progress towards our common goal of saving the IOKA.

So what are our next steps?  As you know, over the last 60 days we have held many events with business leaders, philanthropists, residents, and pillars of the community, culminating in last Saturday’s lively rally in front of the IOKA.  At that rally, we collected dozens of testimonials from community members ages 8 to 80, explaining why they believe the IOKA should be saved.

We have passed those testimonials on to Mr. Lewis as a starting point for a new dialogue about transferring his ownership of the building to us.  We’re hopeful that these discussions will be productive and will ultimately result in the return of the IOKA to the Exeter community.

I’m happy to answer any further questions you may have about our decision and future plans.  Feel free to contact me directly at tony@exetertheater.org.

Sincerely,

Tony Callendrello
Chair, Board of Directors
Exeter Theater Company

P.S.: Please be aware that during this next phase of activity we may not be able to post messages to the community on the IOKA’s marquee.  We hope to negotiate this with Mr. Lewis and will keep you posted.

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Chance to show the building’s owner that the community wants the IOKA back.

(EXETER, NH) – The Exeter Theater Company (ETC) hosts a “Community Loves the IOKA” rally on Saturday, March 30, 12-12:30pm, in front of the historic IOKA Theater at 55 Water Street in downtown Exeter.  The event will feature free popcorn and the chance for the community to send a direct message to the building’s owner.

“This is an opportunity for the community to demonstrate its interest and excitement over the chance to reopen the IOKA,” said ETC board chair Tony Callendrello.  “We want to capture the passion and support for our efforts that we hear every day and let people tell Mr. Lewis in their own words why the IOKA is important to our community..”

At the rally, ETC will be asking – “Why do you want the IOKA back?” and capturing the answers on video and in letters to be delivered to Mr. Lewis.

“The response to our fundraising appeals in these past 30 days has been very good,” says Callendrello, “but we know that large and corporate donors are holding off on contributing, waiting in the wings to step forward once we have ownership of the theater.  This rally on Saturday may be the last opportunity for our community to speak as one voice that we want the IOKA back.”

“We want you to make a lot of noise,” Callendrello continues, “bring musical instruments: horns, drums, kazoos, whatever you’ve got.  Bring signs showing your support of the IOKA.  Bring your smartphones and take your own photos and video.  Bring your friends, parents, kids, everyone.  We want this event to be viral.”

ETC has created a Facebook event for the rally which can be found at facebook.com/ExeterTheaterCo . They will also be live-tweeting in the days leading up to the rally and at the event itself with the hashtag #IokaRally .  The ETC Twitter account is @ExeterTheaterCo .

The business plans and designs for the IOKA can be found at the ETC website: exetertheater.org.

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With March 31 deadline approaching, IOKA team hosts a series of receptions, information sessions, house parties, a phone-a-thon, and a rare silent film screening.

The Exeter Theater Company (ETC) will host a series of community events and fundraisers taking place over the month of March, giving the public opportunities to learn first-hand about the plans for the IOKA theater. These events are part of ETC’s “Century Campaign for the IOKA” to raise $4.6 million to purchase, renovate, and re-open the historic IOKA Theater in downtown Exeter.

“We’ve got the team in place and now we’re taking our message on the road,” said ETC board chair Tony Callendrello. “Our first important deadline is fast approaching – $600,000 by March 31 to purchase the building.  This makes March the crucial month for talking to as many people as we can, answering their questions, and rallying their financial support.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Friday, March 1, 6-8pm – Exeter Fine Crafts reception
Exeter Fine Crafts, 61 Water Street, Exeter

Mix and mingle with the IOKA team and the staff of Exeter Fine Crafts. A portion of the proceeds of art sales that night will benefit the IOKA.  Open to the public and no admission fee.  RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.

Saturday, March 2, 7pm – Portsmouth Beer Week
Redhook Brewery, 1 Redhook Way, Portsmouth

Catch a screening of the UK indie flick Beer Tickers.  A portion of the proceeds of ticket sales that night will benefit the IOKA.  Admission: $10.  Information is available at portsmouthbeerweek.com.  Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Thursday, March 7, 11:30am-1pm – Meet & Greet with Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce

A special lunch presentation to Chamber members.

Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm – Buster Keaton Silent Film Double Feature
Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front Street, Exeter

A rare chance to hear renowned silent film musician Jeff Rapsis provide live accompaniment to two Buster Keaton classics – The Cameraman and Sherlock Jr – in Exeter’s beautiful Town Hall.  Proceeds to benefit the IOKA.  Admission: $15.  Information and tickets available at exetertheater.org or at Water Street Books (125 Water Street, Exeter).

Sunday, March 10, 2-5pm – IOKA Phone-a-thon

Exeter Theater Company board members and volunteers call members of the community to build support and awareness for the Century Campaign for the IOKA.  To volunteer for the phone bank, contact Allison Battles at allison@exetertheater.org.

Wednesday, March 13, 6:30-8:30pm – IOKA Information Soiree
Exeter Mill, 10 Chestnut St, Exeter

An opportunity to mix and mingle with the IOKA team for residents of Exeter Mill, the Water Street business community, and the general public. No admission fee.  RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.

Wednesday, March 20, 7pm – Water Street Books reception
125 Water Street, Exeter

Mix and mingle with the IOKA team and the staff of Water Street Books. A portion of the proceeds of book sales that night will benefit the IOKA.  Open to the public and no admission fee.  RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.

Wednesday, March 27, all day – Orange Leaf Day!
130 Water Street, Exeter

Stop by and grab a yogurt!  For one day only, 10% of the proceeds of all purchases at Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt (11am-10pm) will be donated to the IOKA.

Thursday, March 28, 6:30-8pm – Exeter Public Library info session
4 Chestnut Street, Exeter

An opportunity to mix and mingle with the IOKA team for the staff and patrons of the Exeter Public Library. Open to the public and no admission fee.  RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.

In addition, ETC is holding a series of hosted house parties in the greater Seacoast area.  To host a party of your own, contact Dianne Wieler at dianne@exetertheater.org.

Business plans and designs for the IOKA are available for download at exetertheater.org.

ABOUT THE CENTURY CAMPAIGN FOR THE IOKA
The Exeter Theater Company is in the midst of a bold capital campaign to raise $4.6 million to purchase, renovate, and re-open the historic IOKA Theater in downtown Exeter.  The company has an option to purchase the building from its current owner, Kensington Exeter, LLC by March 31 for $600,000.  In 2012, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance named the IOKA one of its “Seven to Save.”

Donations to the Century Campaign for the IOKA are fully tax-deductible.

ABOUT THE EXETER THEATER COMPANY
The Exeter Theater Company (ETC) was established in 2009 as a 501-c-3 non-profit “to preserve and operate the historic IOKA Theater as a vital center for arts and culture.” exetertheater.org

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Classic silent film comedy with live music to support effort to reopen IOKA Theater

He never smiled on camera, earning him the nickname of “the Great Stone Face.” But Buster Keaton’s comedies rocked Hollywood’s silent era with laughter throughout the 1920s. Acclaimed for their originality and clever visual gags, Keaton’s movies remain popular crowd-pleasers today.

See for yourself with a screening of ‘The Cameraman’ (1928), one of Keaton’s landmark feature films, on Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7pm) at Exeter Town Hall, 10 Front St. in Exeter, N.H. Admission is $15 per person, with proceeds to support the campaign to restore and reopen the IOKA Theater.

‘The Cameraman’ tells the story of a young man (Keaton) who tries to impress the girl of his dreams (Marceline Day) by working as a freelance newsreel cameraman. His efforts result in spectacular failure, but then a lucky break gives him an unexpected chance to make his mark. Can he parlay the scoop of the year into a secure job and successful romance?

The program will be accompanied by live music performed by New Hampshire composer Jeff Rapsis.

“Jeff is a true artist and his work represents exactly the kind of fun, innovative films we plan to show at the IOKA when it re-opens,” said Trevor Bartlett, Programming Chair of the Exeter Theater Company’s board of directors. “A live performance like this is a rare thing indeed and we’re honored that Jeff is hosting this special event for our benefit.”

The Exeter Theater Company is spearheading efforts to restore and reopen the IOKA, a historic theater in downtown Exeter. The theater served as the community’s downtown moviehouse and performance center for nearly a century before closing in 2008.

The benefit screening at Exeter Town Hall is presented with support from Mechanical Forensics Engineering Services of Rochester (www.mfes.com) in cooperation with the Town of Exeter.

In ‘The Cameraman,’ Keaton creates comedy that plays with the nature of film and reality. The movie contains several classic sequences often cited as among Keaton’s best, including a scene where Keaton and a large man both struggle to change into swimsuits in a tiny dressing room. The scene, which runs several minutes long, was filmed in one take.

‘The Cameraman’ will be preceded by a shorter Keaton picture, ‘Sherlock Jr.’ (1924), which is also a film about film. In ‘Sherlock Jr.,’ Keaton plays a movie projectionist hoping to become a great detective. The fun begins when he dreams himself into the plot of his theater’s latest crime melodrama, with unexpected results.

Keaton, along with Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, stands as one of the three great clowns of the silent screen. Many critics regard Keaton as the best of all; Roger Ebert wrote in 2002 that “in an extraordinary period from 1920 to 1929, (Keaton) worked without interruption on a series of films that make him, arguably, the greatest actor-director in the history of the movies.” But while making films, Keaton never thought he was an artist, but an entertainer trying to use the then-new art of motion pictures to tell stories and create laughter.

As a performer, Keaton was uniquely suited to the demands of silent comedy. Born in 1895, he made his stage debut as a toddler, joining his family’s knockabout vaudeville act and learning to take falls and do acrobatic stunts at an early age. He spent his entire childhood and adolescence on stage, attending school for exactly one day.

An entirely intuitive artist, Keaton entered films in 1917 and was quickly absorbed by the new medium. After apprenticing with popular comedian Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, Keaton went on to set up his own studio in 1920, making short comedies that established him as a one of the era’s leading talents. A remarkable pantomime artist, Keaton naturally used his whole body to communicate emotions ranging from sadness to surprise. In an era with no special effects, Keaton’s acrobatic talents meant he performed all his own stunts.

All those talents are on display in ‘The Cameraman,’ which was selected in 2005 for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based silent film accompanist, will provide live music for both films. Rapsis, who accompanies silent film screenings at venues around the nation, improvises live scores for silent films using a digital synthesizer to recreat the texture of the full orchestra.

“It’s kind of a high wire act,” Rapsis said. “But for me, the energy of live performance is an essential part of the silent film experience.”

Rapsis said the Keaton movies, like all silent films, were made to be shown not only with live music, but also on the big screen to large audiences.

“They weren’t intended to be watched on a home entertainment center by, say, just you and your dog,” Rapsis said. “However, if you can put all the elements back together, the films really do spring back to life. At its best, it’s possible for today’s audiences to experience why people first fell in love with the movies.”

Rapsis said the Keaton program in Exeter is a great way to remind local audiences why it’s important to restore and reopen a facility such as the IOKA Theater.

“These films were intended to be communal experiences, and they’re part of the DNA of the IOKA,” Rapsis said. “We hope that showing the Keaton films to a live audience will help area residents understand another reason why it’s important to save the IOKA. Silent film is just one of many types of performance and art that can bring people together and add to a community’s quality of life.”

Buster Keaton’s ‘The Cameraman’ will be shown on Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7pm) at Exeter Town Hall in Exeter, N.H. Admission is $15 per person.

Buy tickets online here or at the door.

For more info on the music, visit www.jeffrapsis.com.

• 

Exeter Theater Company names Wieler, Battles as Capital Campaign chairs

(EXETER, NH) – The Exeter Theater Company (ETC) has named Dianne Wieler of Exeter and Allison Battles of Plaistow as chairs of the IOKA Century Campaign, which will raise $4.6 million to purchase, renovate, and re-open the historic IOKA Theater in downtown Exeter.

“We couldn’t ask for a stronger fundraising team,” said ETC board chair Tony Callendrello. “Dianne and Allison each bring a unique set of skills to the project that will allow us to simultaneously pursue community, corporate, and foundation support.

Dianne Wieler has held positions at Leadership Vancouver, the Canadian Breast Cancer Society and Simon Fraser University, in Vancouver, Canada. She is an active member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and has held the positions of Membership Chair and Corresponding Secretary. Currently she is the GFWC NH State Chair for Public Policy. She has served on the board of Rockingham Community Action and the local Head Start Policy Council. Most recently she spearheaded a successful campaign to stop the closure of the Newmarket and Epping Head Starts.

“As an Exeter resident for the past eight years, I have heard many heart warming stories about first dates and fun family times at the IOKA,” said Wieler, “it’s an honor to play a role in making the IOKA the jewel of Exeter once again.”

Allison has worked at Phillips Exeter Academy for the last seven years in the Office of Institutional Advancement. She earned her BA in English at UNH in 2002 and is currently working towards her MBA in Marketing at Southern New Hampshire University.

“In my interactions with alumni of Phillips Exeter and members of the Exeter community,” said Battles, “I’ve learned what a valuable part of the community the IOKA once was and what it can be once again.”

Diane Wieler can be reached at dianne@exetertheater.org.  Allison Battles can be reached at allison@exetertheater.org.

Business plans and designs for the IOKA are available for download at exetertheater.org.
ABOUT THE IOKA CENTURY CAMPAIGN
The Exeter Theater Company is in the midst of a bold capital campaign to raise $4.6 million to purchase, renovate, and re-open the historic IOKA Theater in downtown Exeter.  The company has an option to purchase the building from its current owner, Kensington Exeter, LLC by March 31 for $600,000.  In 2012, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance named the IOKA one of its “Seven to Save.”

Donations to the Capital Campaign are fully tax-deductible.
ABOUT THE EXETER THEATER COMPANY
The Exeter Theater Company (ETC) was established in 2009 as a 501-c-3 non-profit “to preserve and operate the historic IOKA Theater as a vital center for arts and culture.” www.exetertheater.org

• 

In its efforts to purchase and restore the Ioka Theater, the Exeter Theater Company (ETC) hit the new year running, assembling a team of highly regarded experts to advise them on the construction, design, and financial management of the theater.

“While we remain intensely focused on raising the money to buy the building by March 31,” said ETC board chair Tony Callendrello, “we know that we simultaneously need to be ready for the work that comes after the purchase.  Having partners like these on our team provides us with access to considerable talent as we prepare for the start of construction.”

Nicole Martineau of TMS Architects in Portsmouth has stepped in to donate her time and talent, converting former Exeter Theater Company board chair John Merkle’s conceptual drawings into working floor plans.  “The Ioka is an important part of my life both personally and professionally,” said Martineau, “There are no comparable feelings to describe rejuvenating an old building with soul.  It is the outpouring of hard work and passion from the individuals and businesses that will leave their impression on the Ioka for all to enjoy.”

Eric Chinburg of Chinburg Builders in Newmarket is leading efforts to review the designs and estimates by various contractors and engineers with the goal of reducing renovation costs.  “Our objective is to ensure that project costs and scope are estimated realistically and fairly, and investor’s funds are spent in the most cost effective way,” said Chinburg.  “We hope that our work will bring the Ioka’s restoration, and its opening, closer to fruition.”

Bob Greene, CFO at Next Level Now in Portsmouth is creating cash flow projections and an updated operating budget based on preliminary financial information developed by Exeter Theater Company members Marcia Van Dyke, Emily Meehan, Roger Goun, and Trevor Bartlett.

Renee Carman of Mandeville Canyon Designs in Exeter examined the historic paint records and evidence and created color palettes for the main theater and lobby.  “It has been a great honor and responsibility to work on such a notably historical landmark,” said Carman. “As a designer, the Ioka offers such a sensory-rich environment in which to create. It has been a genuine pleasure to listen carefully to the past, respect the present, and strive together to project a bright future.”

Common Man Restaurants owner Alex Ray has invited the Exeter Theater Company board to tour The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center, a similar sized venue to the Ioka which he operates in Plymouth. Ray toured the Ioka last March remarking, “It was a pleasure, what a place!”

Business plans and designs are available for download at exetertheater.org.

ABOUT THE IOKA CENTURY CAMPAIGN
The Exeter Theater Company is in the midst of a bold capital campaign to raise $4.6 million to purchase, renovate, and open the historic Ioka Theater in downtown Exeter.  The company has an option to purchase the building from its current owner, Kensington Exeter, LLC by March 31 for $600,000.

Donations to the Capital Campaign are fully tax-deductible.

• 

Dear Exeter Theater Company Members & Friends,

We have some important and exciting news to share about the Ioka’s future, a topic I know you are as committed to and passionate about as I am.

I get asked frequently what the Exeter Theater Company has been doing in the eight months since our successful membership campaign in March.  Rest assured, we’ve been hard at work and I want to update you on our progress:

We’ve been deep in negotiations with the Ioka’s current owner over our future role in overseeing the building.  Our initial hope was to arrange a favorable, long-term lease but it became clear that the terms the owner proposed would not allow us sufficient control of the property to raise the funds necessary for renovation.

After months of discussion, consultation, and compromise, we have moved on to a very different but in my opinion much more responsible and exciting path – purchasing the building outright.

What does this mean?  In short – a lot.  The building, and the future of the Ioka, will now rest solely and permanently in the hands of those who love it and are determined to see it succeed as an independent, community-run theater.

Now comes the challenge – we have until March 31, 2013 to raise the $600,000 needed to purchase the Ioka the first step in a larger Capital Campaign to raise the $4.6 million needed to completely renovate and re-open the theater.

We are asking you, our members, to do two things:

Allow us to apply your past contribution to our Capital Campaign.

Dig deep and contribute as much as you can again now.

If all our members do this, we will be halfway to our immediate goal of purchasing the theater.

I sincerely thank you for your past generosity and hope you will consider being a part of this next exciting stage of the Ioka’s rebirth with a year-end gift to the Exeter Theater Company.  Donations are fully tax-deductible and can be made by returning the enclosed gift form or visiting our website – exetertheater.org.

I am confident we will reach the goal of this campaign and that the Ioka will once again be home to the best film, live music, and theater that the Seacoast has to offer!

I welcome any questions or comments you may have about the theater, the campaign, or anything else.  Feel free to contact me directly at tony@exetertheater.org.

Happy holidays from us all,

Anthony Callendrello
Chair, Board of Directors
Exeter Theater Company

• 

The 2012 Seven to Save list was announced on October 16 at the Pandora Mill, Manchester and the IOKA Theater made this important list.

MANCHESTER:  The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance announced its 2012 Seven to Save list today, naming a new group of endangered historic structures that includes a small-town movie house, a grange building, a pre-Revolutionary meetinghouse, and a defunct hydro-powered mill and dam.

“Our 2012 Seven to Save list contains the kind of places that you can’t imagine your community without,” said Maggie Stier, field service representative for the Preservation Alliance.    “Advocates for these places know that saving the past enriches the present, and today we recognize seven great opportunities to transform threatened resources into vibrant community assets once again.”

Hunter Ulf, AIA, board member of the Preservation Alliance and chair of the Seven to Save committee, noted that “Preservation of places like these supports well-paying jobs and is part of New Hampshire’s authentic sense of place that helps attract visitors and businesses.”

Named to the list:
·         Exeter’s Ioka Theater
·         Kensington’s Town Hall
·         Littleton’s Community House
·         The Moultonborough Grange
·         New Durham’s 1772 Meetinghouse
·         The Drew Mill and Dam in Union Village, Wakefield
·         The Vilas Bridge, Walpole

Many town-owned structures are at risk across the state, and this year, the Kensington Town Hall and the New Durham Meetinghouse both received a Seven to Save.  In Kensington, recent flooding led to mold conditions, which prompted town officials to vacate the 1840’s structure, leaving its future very uncertain.  The New Durham Meetinghouse, built in 1770, is one of only five pre-Revolutionary War meetinghouse still standing.

Ioka Theater in Exeter, a once-thriving local entertainment venue, recently sold at foreclosure and a friends group is working to attract the major new investment that it needs to be revived.

This 1915 downtown landmark was built during the heyday of Vaudeville and silent films.  The first talkie shown there was the Marx Brothers “The Cocoanuts” in 1929.   A few years later, in 1936, a new marquee, electric lights, larger screen and comfortable seats were installed– and this was its last major restoration. Starting in the mid sixties the movie house went through a succession of owners and periods of inactivity and closure.  Early attempts to form a ‘Friends of the Ioka’ and revitalize the theater also failed.  In December 2008, the theater occupancy permit was revoked due to lack of sprinklers, and the property went on the market.  The Exeter Theater Company, a new non-profit, was formed in 2008 to buy the theater with no success.  Last December, the bank foreclosed and the Ioka was auctioned.

The new owner, Kensington Exeter LLC, challenged the Exeter Theater Company to attract 1,000 members to join by March 31^st to show support for a community theater and to secure a lease or agreement. The group surpassed the goal with over 1400 members and now has $140,000 in escrow. A formal agreement between the non profit and the owner is near completion.

The Ioka theater will be 97 next month.  It sits cold and empty, pipes are drained, and electrical service disconnected.  Its proximity to the Exeter River and the lack of heat since last December has created damp, increasingly musty conditions in the basement. The south facing exterior wall and roof are leaking from the top floor to the stage door.  Besides a new roof, the building needs new plumbing, heating and electric service as well as full interior rehabilitation.

The successful acquisition by the Exeter Theater Company, and major capital campaign would allow the theater to be operated, restored and managed as a non-profit venue, modeled on similar successful ventures in Concord and elsewhere. If the theater goes back on the market again, the odds of its survival as a theater are greatly diminished.  With this boost fromSeven to Save, advocates hope that their vision will attract the partnerships and funding, as well as long term patronage that can restore this venue as a primary source of cultural entertainment for the Exeter community and as an integral part of the historic downtown.

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