Electra's population surge in the 1910s led local business leaders to hire Meador & Wolfe of Fort Worth to design a theatre to accommodate the town's growing entertainment needs. It opened here in 1920 and featured vaudeville, operas, boxing and other events. It included an orchestra pit which later housed an organ and a piano for silent movies. It has been both a movie house and a performing arts venue. THe Grand's eclectic design features mission and classical elements done with emphasis on fancy and fantasy, panels with swags and piers frame a vault motif.
Recorded Texas Historical Landmark 2006
Since 1986 the Electra "Save the Grand" Committee has worked to preserve the building's integrity to prevent further deterioration. Years of neglect and a leaking roof had significantly damaged not only the roof but also the once elegant interior of the Grand. The first steps were to get the building in the dry. That was done by virtue of a grant from and a community-wide campaign to raise funds.
As in most small towns, as young folks finished school they moved away for better-paying jobs in larger metropolitan areas. The same is true with our town. However, with each year's Homecoming Weekend when those folks come back to visit, there has been a "Save the Grand" campaign. Funds raised by the community have helped to maintain the facade of the building and to plan for the larger challenge: the interior and additional space as needed.
The future holds great promise for the Grand Theatre. The facility will bring back an energy to the historic downtown area. The programmatic plan for the theatre includes the following uses:
- as a community events center
- as a school events center for graduations, band concerts, class plays,
art exhibits and other special programs - as a venue for theatrical and musical productions from area colleges
and universities - as a mini-convention center for regional events
- as a recital venue
- as a movie theatre
- as a visitors' center
- luncheons, weddings, family reunions, dinners
- other programs as needed
Once the building has been renovated inside and out, the Grand Theatre will be on the list of vintage theatres not to be missed by anyone who cherishes historic buildings. The National Historic Trust has said that these theatres are among the most endangered species in our country. We are trying hard to make sure that the Grand does not fall into that category.
The building's architectural future has been placed in the hands of one of the most prestigious preservationist architects in the Southwest, Charles Harper of Wichita Falls, Texas. Plans have been carefully drawn to provide complete accessibility to the original building as well as to a structure to be built adjacent to and connecting with the Grand. This new construction will allow for a catering kitchen to accommodate meal functions as well as accessible restrooms to serve the facility.
Soon, we will add the architectural drawings for the project as completed by Charles Harper.
We who are here every day to see the Grand and who are so enthusiastic about its future ask you to dream with us. Now take a look at the Gallery and Save the Grand pages to see how you, too, can be a part of this effort.