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Help us reach our goal of $90,000 to save the Historic Marquee.
Checks can be mailed to The Marriage Hub
18 N Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 As a 501c3 nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible |
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History of the Marquee
After the roaring success of the first movie theatre in town, the exterior of the building was enhanced in 1939 with the addition of the lighted marquee. The historic marquee was constructed by E-town’s own Superior Sign, a company known for their incredible craftsmanship and notoriety with other works including the historic Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, PA.
Sitting on the square in E-town, the lighted marquee became a hallmark for residents and guests of the community. The “timed” electrical system created letters that lit up in succession ... and provided an illuminated sign board to announce upcoming shows and to highlight events and special celebrations in the community over the years.
Sitting on the square in E-town, the lighted marquee became a hallmark for residents and guests of the community. The “timed” electrical system created letters that lit up in succession ... and provided an illuminated sign board to announce upcoming shows and to highlight events and special celebrations in the community over the years.
Damage & Decline
In the early 1980s, the Moose shut down the usage of the movie theatre and completed renovation of the interior of the building in 1986. The marquee transitioned into a message board of events the lodge was holding ... and periodic usage for the community. Daily usage and lighted sign became less of a priority for the Moose.
Over the years, the borough saw the need to expand the width of Market street in front of the historic marquee to allow for a turning lane. When the construction was complete, the “overhang” of the marquee became completely vertical with the edge of the street.
Unfortunately, with the “crown” designed to ease water flow on the street, tractor trailers that veered too close the right side of the street would hit the top of their trailers into the marquee... causing a collision with the sign.
Over the years, the borough saw the need to expand the width of Market street in front of the historic marquee to allow for a turning lane. When the construction was complete, the “overhang” of the marquee became completely vertical with the edge of the street.
Unfortunately, with the “crown” designed to ease water flow on the street, tractor trailers that veered too close the right side of the street would hit the top of their trailers into the marquee... causing a collision with the sign.
New Ownership
As membership in the Moose lodge dwindled over the years, the upkeep of the building became more problematic. The Moose put the building up for sale and The Marriage Hub purchased the building February 27, 2020.
At closing, it was disclosed that the marquee had been hit by a tractor trailer a few months previously ... but the insurance money given to the Moose was used for other needs, leaving the sign in despair.
The Marriage Hub renamed the building, “The Elizabeth” after purchase and began the process of repairing the building and renovating it. The marquee was used heavily during COVID-19 pandemic to send well wishes, birthday and anniversary greetings and many other messages while friends and family were in quarantine and isolation.
At closing, it was disclosed that the marquee had been hit by a tractor trailer a few months previously ... but the insurance money given to the Moose was used for other needs, leaving the sign in despair.
The Marriage Hub renamed the building, “The Elizabeth” after purchase and began the process of repairing the building and renovating it. The marquee was used heavily during COVID-19 pandemic to send well wishes, birthday and anniversary greetings and many other messages while friends and family were in quarantine and isolation.
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Marquee Restoration
The Marriage Hub has secured a quote from Superior Sign to restore the marquee back to its original glory.
The two changes being proposed are:
The two changes being proposed are:
- to change the wording on the marquee to say, “The Elizabeth” (new name for building since the Moose lodge moved down the road and it was too confusing for directions).
- to shorten the width of the marquee by 6 inches so that it will not be hit by tractor trailers in the future.
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Architectural Rendering provided by MICHAEL CRABB STUDIO, www.michaelcrabb.net