Many of the businesses supporting the Waldo today have been supporting it for decades. The Waldoboro Historical Society recently shared an image of a curtain banner from the 1930s featuring local business names. This was typical of the kinds of banners found in town halls, granges and theaters from the 1890s through 1940.

Jean Lawrence, president of the Historical Society, said that “we know that there were two theater curtains in Waldoboro: Winslow’s Mills and another at Clark’s Hall, on the right side of Main Street as you moved down the hill towards the bridge. When Clark’s Hall was demolished in the 1960’s, that curtain vanished (probably swept up by an antiques collector who knew its value). In the day, theater curtains were made by various companies for advertising purposes. More than likely a salesman came to town and sold advertising space on the curtain…”. This curtain is now on permanent display at the historical society museum. You can find out more about this unique moment in Waldoboro’s economic and cultural history at https://www.curtainswithoutborders.org/scenic-artists.

The Waldo Theatre Board of Directors has been busy finalizing the Raise the Roof portion of its three-phase Capital Campaign to reopen the Waldo. As soon as there is favorable weather the roofers will be at work! Our next phase will focus on renovations of the building’s interior–including insulation installation, plaster repair, seating refurbishment, restroom repairs, and the hiring of an executive director.

The Waldo Theatre is grateful to the following local businesses and organizations who have generously sponsored the theatre this winter and helped make our first phase fundraising efforts a success: Lash Realty Group, Waldoboro Business Park, Tidemark Gallery and Café, Northeast Transport, BugTussle Brooder and Annex, Laura Cabot Catering, the Waldoboro Business Association, Maine Antique Digest, and Viking Lumber. Many have shared what the Waldo has meant to families in the past, and what a revitalized theatre could mean for the future of Waldoboro and the surrounding area.

Here is what local businesses are saying:

Scott Lash of Lash Realty Group supports the Waldo because “...I believe in preserving the rich history of Waldoboro and want to help keep our heritage thriving!” In a similar vein, George Seaver of the Waldoboro Business Park views the theatre as a “unique and irreplaceable link” both to the past and to what lies ahead for the economic development of our area.

Laura Cabot noted that “during the years my restaurant and the Theatre were both operational, each made the other a richer experience.” Charlotte Davenhill of Tidemark Gallery and Café, sees clear opportunities for creative enrichment that allow us to “see the artist in each and every person” and Jeff Payson considers live theatre as a “life long activity where multi-generational talent can be shared.” Clayton Pennington of Maine Antique Digest describes the theatre as “a jewel…and one that will add luster to Waldoboro.”  

The Waldoboro Business Association, which includes 86 members of the local small business community, “looks forward to the time when The Waldo Theatre is once again the center of our cultural, social and commercial endeavors” with “shows and events bringing lots of people into town to appreciate all that Waldoboro has to offer. The Waldo afforded a cultural focus to Waldoboro's downtown village, and the WBA believes in and encourages the re-creation and transformation of that focus with a 21st Century twang.  When it once again opens its doors to all mid-coast communities, the Waldo Theatre will restore vibrancy to Waldoboro village and reclaim its important role as a collaborative partner with schools, businesses, and nonprofits.”

The Waldo Board is committed to developing the Waldo as a cultural center, educational facility, lecture and seminar space, and a top-talent venue for the enrichment and entertainment of youth and the wider community. The Waldo Theatre welcomes donations and sponsorships from the business community for next phase of the Waldo Theatre campaign.  While the organization has many talented volunteers for different projects ready to go they need the funds to purchase materials and to hire some professional services. By investing in this project, local businesses can help make the Waldo a place where people of all ages can come together to find their voice, tell their stories, and celebrate the arts. For information on how to help, email info@thewaldotheatre.org or visit www.waldotheatre.org.