MINEOLA, Texas — The 101-year-old Select Theater in Mineola is seeking the public's help in saving a piece of its history.
"This is the oldest continuously operated movie theater in the state of Texas," said Jeff D. Hurley, president of the board of governors of Lake Country Playhouse Inc., which runs the theater. "We are going into our 102nd year of being in business and now what we do is we promote the arts throughout East Texas. We do live theater, we do live concerts, first-run movies, classic movies -- every Tuesday night is a classic movie and the ticket is only $.50. We have got something happening here three or four times a week."
Hurley says in 1948 there was a big remodel during which a 25' neon tower was placed on top of the building that could be seen for miles. The theater is now hoping to raise enough money to save its iconic beacon.
"Well after years of ice, freezing, rain, and the tornado in 1963 that took the entire marquee and roof off of the building, it generated a few leaks and we’ve noticed some panels starting to separate," Hurley said. "Sure enough, the structure is rotting away internally so we’re going in to get that completely redone before it all falls down so that this landmark of Mineola, Texas, will be back in good shape for the next 50 - 100 years."
On Saturday, Feb. 5, the theater is going to host a Family Fun Day followed by a Charity Auction Night. The event will take place at the Theater Annex, located at 119 N. Johnson St. in Mineola.
"We are looking right at $60,000 total to do this work," Hurley said.
During the day there will be puppet shows, sing-a-longs, games with prizes, popcorn, drinks, candy, crafts and a kids' auction event.
Beginning at 7 p.m., the charity auction will take place.
"We will have all sorts of things for you to peruse and bid on," a post on the theater's Facebook said. "From antiques, to collectibles, from theatrical items to items for your home. And we are accepting donations to make it even more spectacular."
A portion of the proceeds will also go to the Kindness Kottage to help others in need.
"We're all in this crazy world together, after all, and we're stronger when we unite to take of the people and things that matter," the theater's Facebook page said.
If you would like to provide donations for the auction, please contact the theater's executive director at george@lakecountryplayhouse.com. You may also send a text to (903) 707-0927.