A young Mason from Raleigh/Cary NC had called up and wanted to come by and photograph the Lodge. He is an avid photographer and has gone around the country photographing Masonic lodges. He had come to the Enfield Lodge and photographed it prior to my purchase but there were no lights on and he never went inside the Main Theatre.
He did indicate that this Lodge has a very unique status, for many reasons, but as it is the only lodge in the area to confer 18th degree masons. Apparently, most lodges you have to go to a central/regional Lodge for these degree programs.
Together, we unrolled each of the theatre backdrops (there are approx. 20 total) that show various mediterranean/sudanese views which are used for various degree work in the Masonic rituals. Of course, we had a time as one of the backdrops had lost its rope (it had "come aloose" as my Granny Ginna would have said). My first venture on the extremely tall andold stage ladder to the top to run the cord through the pulleys. I tell you what, moving this ladder is no easy picnic. I will take a photo of the ladder and post later on so you can see this majestic ladder.
Trying to configure the ropes in the correct direction and proportion to get the canvas to roll up was more difficult than it looked. But alas, we did it and were able to view each and every canvas.
So, that was my day at The Lodge at Roanoke Valley.
Drew
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Architect's Report
Forgot to blog yesterday as I went into picture frenzy and loaded...as you can see... a TON of pictures from the cleanout and painting extravaganza!
Jerry Traub, a historic buildings architect, came out from Raleigh NC yesterday to look over the site and offer insight and put together a quote for drawings and sketches. We walked the entire property inside and out and came to the conclusion that I definitely need at least pre-design drawings of the property. I will need this for contractors, HVAC personnel, historic preservation purposes, etc. There is not much "construction" that needs to happen as the building is what it is. There are some construction items such as rebuilding the proscenium, staging, orchestra pit and a potential stairway to the balcony.
The architectural review was a little intense as he was discussing all the modern codes for ADA accessibility, elevator size, bathroom needs per person, sprinkler systems and a host of other ominous federal, state and local guidelines. I think we should be okay on many of these fronts but it was interesting to now get into the detail on code issues that ordinarily the average citizen does not even consider. So, perhaps a few more dollars into the budget.....
****SPECIAL GAME FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS*****
I think you have all seen some of the pictures of the Main Theatre and the 2 "mini balconies"? Can you look at the pics again of the main theatre and let me know what you would do with these balconies. (Note: Need a structural engineer to inspect and certify the structural integrity and/or add beam supports to reinforce integrity if needed. If structurally sound, then below options can be discussed):
A couple options are:
1) add additional balcony seating to these areas (assume adding staircase of course) which I believe would give at least 25-30 seats additional on each side.
2) just use balcony areas for lighting and audio technicians for respective shows. Lights & Audio typically have large boards to manage light/audio and this would keep them separated from the audience. (assumes stairway as well and ability to transport audio/electric eqpt up/down easily.
3) use balconies for private groups and/or lounge area (ie. VIP area pre and post show). Akin to football stadium "private boxes", we can put a plexi or glass enclosure (with window to open/shut to hear performances.
4) create additional restroom facilities on the balcony level. There are two single usage facility rooms off the lobby which may/may not be up to code for seating capacity of 400+. However, restrooms on balcony level would not be ADA accessible. (we may could reconfigure the downstairs facility to accommodate wheelchairs and make ADA accessible.
5) Cut back the balconies to just extend the width of the lobby (not to extend over the last 5-7 rows of orchestra seats. Underneath the balconies, the seating could be a bit claustrophobic. Cutting it back we could still either have restroom facilities, light/audio or private area (albeit much smaller).
6) Remove balconies entirely and only have projectionist booth above. This could open up the ceiling height in the lobby area at least in the entry way (although removing could be a major hassle and effort.
7) Extend and connect the two balconies in the middle to provide additional balcony seating. Now, we could have approx. total of 60 -70 balcony seats. This would give a total seating capacity of 500+.
Any ideas and suggestions would love to hear from you.
Drew
Jerry Traub, a historic buildings architect, came out from Raleigh NC yesterday to look over the site and offer insight and put together a quote for drawings and sketches. We walked the entire property inside and out and came to the conclusion that I definitely need at least pre-design drawings of the property. I will need this for contractors, HVAC personnel, historic preservation purposes, etc. There is not much "construction" that needs to happen as the building is what it is. There are some construction items such as rebuilding the proscenium, staging, orchestra pit and a potential stairway to the balcony.
The architectural review was a little intense as he was discussing all the modern codes for ADA accessibility, elevator size, bathroom needs per person, sprinkler systems and a host of other ominous federal, state and local guidelines. I think we should be okay on many of these fronts but it was interesting to now get into the detail on code issues that ordinarily the average citizen does not even consider. So, perhaps a few more dollars into the budget.....
****SPECIAL GAME FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS*****
I think you have all seen some of the pictures of the Main Theatre and the 2 "mini balconies"? Can you look at the pics again of the main theatre and let me know what you would do with these balconies. (Note: Need a structural engineer to inspect and certify the structural integrity and/or add beam supports to reinforce integrity if needed. If structurally sound, then below options can be discussed):
A couple options are:
1) add additional balcony seating to these areas (assume adding staircase of course) which I believe would give at least 25-30 seats additional on each side.
2) just use balcony areas for lighting and audio technicians for respective shows. Lights & Audio typically have large boards to manage light/audio and this would keep them separated from the audience. (assumes stairway as well and ability to transport audio/electric eqpt up/down easily.
3) use balconies for private groups and/or lounge area (ie. VIP area pre and post show). Akin to football stadium "private boxes", we can put a plexi or glass enclosure (with window to open/shut to hear performances.
4) create additional restroom facilities on the balcony level. There are two single usage facility rooms off the lobby which may/may not be up to code for seating capacity of 400+. However, restrooms on balcony level would not be ADA accessible. (we may could reconfigure the downstairs facility to accommodate wheelchairs and make ADA accessible.
5) Cut back the balconies to just extend the width of the lobby (not to extend over the last 5-7 rows of orchestra seats. Underneath the balconies, the seating could be a bit claustrophobic. Cutting it back we could still either have restroom facilities, light/audio or private area (albeit much smaller).
6) Remove balconies entirely and only have projectionist booth above. This could open up the ceiling height in the lobby area at least in the entry way (although removing could be a major hassle and effort.
7) Extend and connect the two balconies in the middle to provide additional balcony seating. Now, we could have approx. total of 60 -70 balcony seats. This would give a total seating capacity of 500+.
Any ideas and suggestions would love to hear from you.
Drew
Friday, February 26, 2010
More in Trash Central
anyone need furniture? 
Ashen from a day of sanding the ceiling..that's one HARD WORKING gal!!
A man and his truck...or is it a boy and a dream?
Help!!! I can't get out!!! Yikes!More Majestic Bar
Plaster Moulding!!! Oi Vay!
Keep on going darlin'
looking good? ain't this is only the base coatMajestic Bar
sheet rock master
proper preparation
faux queen
starry starry night skies
first step spackled, sanded, primed...
Pictures are Here!!!
I promised pictures so I am delivering pictures. I will first attach pictures of the Main Theatre auditorium (aka The Junk Drawer...Room). I found a ton of pretty cool looking "dust proof" file folders probably circa 1950s. Dust proof? Yeah right. If the company that makes these is still around perhaps I should send them one. I don't think they had this usage/storage in mind when they claimed "dust proof"!
The next set of pictures will be the 3rd floor room in front of the theatre auditorium. In Masonic days, this room was known as the Preparation Room. This is the room the Mason degree candidates would prepare for their degree certificates. In Drew & Myra tenure, this room will become the Majestic Bar & Lounge, for cocktails pre and post show. A much more festive use wouldn't you say? You will see Myra's talents at decorative painting and her painstaking efforts at plastering and painting. She worked hard for almost a week. I contributed minutely - I spackled the ceiling and the walls. I put up the piece of sheetrock on some pretty badly cracked and missing plaster. I also did some demon rolling of the primer on the walls.
Enjoy the pics.
Drew
The next set of pictures will be the 3rd floor room in front of the theatre auditorium. In Masonic days, this room was known as the Preparation Room. This is the room the Mason degree candidates would prepare for their degree certificates. In Drew & Myra tenure, this room will become the Majestic Bar & Lounge, for cocktails pre and post show. A much more festive use wouldn't you say? You will see Myra's talents at decorative painting and her painstaking efforts at plastering and painting. She worked hard for almost a week. I contributed minutely - I spackled the ceiling and the walls. I put up the piece of sheetrock on some pretty badly cracked and missing plaster. I also did some demon rolling of the primer on the walls.
Enjoy the pics.
Drew
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Creating Theatre Bar Magic
So Drew and I have been in more great bars than we can count and we have of course cronicled the high points in our brains. In creating this great moody space, we wanted to use the elements that make people "feel" a certain way.... special, serious, funny, and most of all intentional in bringing the historic nature of the building into the present. I think we are on to something and its looking awesome. We are on a tight learning curve with rebuilding plaster mouldings and walls. Lots of gypsum dust up the nose and in the lungs. Today, I came home looking like Casper the friendly ghost. I was working on the gorgeous cove ceiling in the bar and yesterday I had plastered the whole thing and today, it was time to sand....thus the sheetrock dust! Tomorrow my "demon with a paint roller" will prime the ceiling. Once dried, I will work out a beautiful sunset sky inside the cove and hopefully create a wonderful illusion of being in the clouds.
That's all for today folks. I'm relaxing with a glass of wine in my cozy parlor. Y'all come see us real soon, hear?
Myra
That's all for today folks. I'm relaxing with a glass of wine in my cozy parlor. Y'all come see us real soon, hear?
Myra
The Big Cleanout
Okay I promise I will upload pics soon as you have to see the 'excavation' project begun yesterday in the Big Main theatre. I tore through piles and piles and piles of junk and sorted out the "trash" junk from the "good" junk. I created more piles to get loaded onto the Enfield public works dump truck and hauled off to the dump.
All day long I pulled material out including: 2x4s, 4x4s, metal rods, sheet rock, furniture, old lights, old radios, boxes and boxes of Rives & Co. Hardware store receipts, invoices and bills boxed by year (1951, 52..59...66...79...ad infinitum!!) Oi!!! They were believers in saving receipts let me tell you. Mind you Rives & Co., was the hardware store next door to the Lodge (back in the day) but probably closed down in the early 1970s!! The lodge theatre was their warehouse where they stored EVERYTHING!!! Plus, I think the theatre became the dumping ground for anyone and everyone in town that had cleaned out their houses (or their parents houses) and decided to store stuff here. There were dishes...loads of old waffle irons...anyone want waffles? you name it we got it!
I'm sorting through and we may have a yard sale...everything $1 (or more)..and maybe we will make enough to buy 5 theatre seats...It's a start.
had Jeff & Ray my trusty local workers over today to help bring all the junk to the dump truck and in a couple hours got the thing loaded to capacity (and overloaded). Tomorrow the truck comes back for Round two.
By 5:30 I looked at myself and my jeans and clothes could walk by themselves. I was dusty, dirty and smelly. Went directly to the laundry room after getting home stripped down and jumped in the shower and showered Twice!
Now you will get Ms Myra's first blog report. Today she finished off some spackling and sealing of the plaster moulding in the 3rd floor lounge room. If you have seen pics it is the room outside the theatre that has the red rug in it. We will build and/or install a bar in here to make $$$ before and after shows selling drinks and what nots. But I will turn the blog over to Myra and she will post her adventures today!
All day long I pulled material out including: 2x4s, 4x4s, metal rods, sheet rock, furniture, old lights, old radios, boxes and boxes of Rives & Co. Hardware store receipts, invoices and bills boxed by year (1951, 52..59...66...79...ad infinitum!!) Oi!!! They were believers in saving receipts let me tell you. Mind you Rives & Co., was the hardware store next door to the Lodge (back in the day) but probably closed down in the early 1970s!! The lodge theatre was their warehouse where they stored EVERYTHING!!! Plus, I think the theatre became the dumping ground for anyone and everyone in town that had cleaned out their houses (or their parents houses) and decided to store stuff here. There were dishes...loads of old waffle irons...anyone want waffles? you name it we got it!
I'm sorting through and we may have a yard sale...everything $1 (or more)..and maybe we will make enough to buy 5 theatre seats...It's a start.
had Jeff & Ray my trusty local workers over today to help bring all the junk to the dump truck and in a couple hours got the thing loaded to capacity (and overloaded). Tomorrow the truck comes back for Round two.
By 5:30 I looked at myself and my jeans and clothes could walk by themselves. I was dusty, dirty and smelly. Went directly to the laundry room after getting home stripped down and jumped in the shower and showered Twice!
Now you will get Ms Myra's first blog report. Today she finished off some spackling and sealing of the plaster moulding in the 3rd floor lounge room. If you have seen pics it is the room outside the theatre that has the red rug in it. We will build and/or install a bar in here to make $$$ before and after shows selling drinks and what nots. But I will turn the blog over to Myra and she will post her adventures today!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Picture Update
Just a quick note this morning that I will be posting a new series of "work in progress" pictures. However, I need to get a new upload cable as the one for my camera is "at the other house". This is always the case when you have the dilemma of two houses. Whatever you need at one is always at the other??? Go figure. Something about Murphy's Law.
So bear with us as I get my technical dept straightened out and you will see more pics of our progress. Stay tuned.
BTW- our elevator inspector from the state of NC is coming today so hopefully all goes well and he signs off on the inspection AOK....
So bear with us as I get my technical dept straightened out and you will see more pics of our progress. Stay tuned.
BTW- our elevator inspector from the state of NC is coming today so hopefully all goes well and he signs off on the inspection AOK....
Monday, February 22, 2010
Rainy Day in Enfield
Well, it started out with the sun and a nice 60+ degree F temperature outside but slowly the clouds rolled in and the rains starting coming down. However, not to worry we were inside the Lodge (still the icebox as it is quite chilly in there) just a painting a way. Today was the 'antechamber' room outside the upstairs theatre. Myra handcrafted the decaying plaster molding in the ceiling and I finished up the installed sheet rock wall. Although the spackle still has not dried yet, I may have gone to heavy on spackle. I thought I needed a little heavy spacle due to the way the wall was. We shall see tomorrow when we return.
I rolled on the base coat paint on the walls which is a muted red (mix of greys and browns). Very good color. Myra went behind me and 'fauxed' throughout the wall making indentations in the paint. After the base dries she will apply the 'faux' finish coat which will be a maroon red look (which should go with the current carpet that is already there. This room will have a fully functioning bar built to serve drinks and such to theatre patrons. This will be a GREAT room.
In addition to painting I walked down the street to the Enfield Library. They did not have much as all the microfilm and old documents had been sent to the Halifax Library which I will venture to next. Did find some good synopses of the histories of Enfield and Halifax County which will be nice information to post on our Lodge website to give the background of the town and area for interested patrons. I finished going through Mr. Davis' old Enfield Progress records from 1929 to 1939 and found some great copy of Theatre announcements, playbills, articles and such.
Here are some examples of previous Masonic Theatre/Enfield Theatre shows:
1) April 8 1938 --> On stage Borrah Minevitch presents his world famous Original Harmonica Rascals "in person". Matinee 15 cent and 30 cents; Night 25 cents and 40cents
On the screen -- "The Shadow" starring Charles Quigley and Rita Hayworth
2) March 25, 1938 --> On our stage "direct from a season's run at the World Theatre, NY, ENGLE's famous Marionette Show in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
3) Oct 25, 1928 --> Films showing - BEN HUR with Ramon Navarro, Betty Bronson;
THE WIND starring Lillian Gish and Lars Hanson.
4) Nov 28 ,1929 --> On stage Bud Fisher's latest sensation "Mutt & Jeff".
5) July 21, 1939 --> Film: "Young Mr. Lincoln" with Henry Fonda and Alice Brady
6) July 28, 1939 --> Film: "Susannah of the Mounties" with Shirley Temple and Randolph Scott
7) Feb 28, 1929 -->Film: John Barrymore in "the tempest". "a super production featuring white hot love, intense drama and high romance in its tremendous theme" (from the announcement)
all shows 10-25 cents.
8) Mar 14, 1929 --> Film: Douglas Fairbanks in "The Gaucho"
9) July 26, 1928 --> Film: George Sidney and Charlie Murray in "Life of Riley", for laughing purposes only.
Film: Colleen Moore in "Her Wild Act" Laughter and romance.
10) Oct 11, 1928 --> On stage: "Cupid-up-to-date" performed by local talent. Under auspices of the frank m parker chapter, united daughters of the confederacy.
So there is a random sampling of the films and stage shows performed at the masonic theater. We have some MIGHTY BIG shoes to fill!!!
I rolled on the base coat paint on the walls which is a muted red (mix of greys and browns). Very good color. Myra went behind me and 'fauxed' throughout the wall making indentations in the paint. After the base dries she will apply the 'faux' finish coat which will be a maroon red look (which should go with the current carpet that is already there. This room will have a fully functioning bar built to serve drinks and such to theatre patrons. This will be a GREAT room.
In addition to painting I walked down the street to the Enfield Library. They did not have much as all the microfilm and old documents had been sent to the Halifax Library which I will venture to next. Did find some good synopses of the histories of Enfield and Halifax County which will be nice information to post on our Lodge website to give the background of the town and area for interested patrons. I finished going through Mr. Davis' old Enfield Progress records from 1929 to 1939 and found some great copy of Theatre announcements, playbills, articles and such.
Here are some examples of previous Masonic Theatre/Enfield Theatre shows:
1) April 8 1938 --> On stage Borrah Minevitch presents his world famous Original Harmonica Rascals "in person". Matinee 15 cent and 30 cents; Night 25 cents and 40cents
On the screen -- "The Shadow" starring Charles Quigley and Rita Hayworth
2) March 25, 1938 --> On our stage "direct from a season's run at the World Theatre, NY, ENGLE's famous Marionette Show in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
3) Oct 25, 1928 --> Films showing - BEN HUR with Ramon Navarro, Betty Bronson;
THE WIND starring Lillian Gish and Lars Hanson.
4) Nov 28 ,1929 --> On stage Bud Fisher's latest sensation "Mutt & Jeff".
5) July 21, 1939 --> Film: "Young Mr. Lincoln" with Henry Fonda and Alice Brady
6) July 28, 1939 --> Film: "Susannah of the Mounties" with Shirley Temple and Randolph Scott
7) Feb 28, 1929 -->Film: John Barrymore in "the tempest". "a super production featuring white hot love, intense drama and high romance in its tremendous theme" (from the announcement)
all shows 10-25 cents.
8) Mar 14, 1929 --> Film: Douglas Fairbanks in "The Gaucho"
9) July 26, 1928 --> Film: George Sidney and Charlie Murray in "Life of Riley", for laughing purposes only.
Film: Colleen Moore in "Her Wild Act" Laughter and romance.
10) Oct 11, 1928 --> On stage: "Cupid-up-to-date" performed by local talent. Under auspices of the frank m parker chapter, united daughters of the confederacy.
So there is a random sampling of the films and stage shows performed at the masonic theater. We have some MIGHTY BIG shoes to fill!!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The Big Dig!
Well it's time to start the big cleanout of the main theatre. This large auditorium, which has not been used professionally since before the war...WW2 that is...has become the kitchen drawer for the entire town. Anyone that needed to store "stuff" just put it over here for many many years. As a result, it is just chock full of furniture, receipts, store shelves, and god knows what else. It is where we found the 10 foot wooden "library" tables that we now have in our house. to purchase these tables at a Restoration Hardware, forgeddaboudit!!
I now have halogen work lights inside the theatre wired from next door so we can actually see inside this theatre. I have not even attempted to try the electricity here until I have an electrician over to check everything out. The wiring is probably circa 1930s so there is no telling the condition of these wires and fuses etc. For now, it is an extension cord running fromthe main lodge building (which is attached of course).
Thus, I will be uploading pictures of the mess soon so stay tuned. I have started sorting through the layers upon layers and getting piles ready for my work crew on monday to load into the garbage truck. The town is providing a large dump truck to load garbage into and then they cart it away to the dump at the end of the day. We are going to need about 15-20 loads I am sure. (if not more)
I did find all sorts of building material which may come in handy for our renovations: piles of sheetrock, 2x4s, 4x4s and an assortment of lumber and materials. this should do nicely.
more to come.
Andrew
I now have halogen work lights inside the theatre wired from next door so we can actually see inside this theatre. I have not even attempted to try the electricity here until I have an electrician over to check everything out. The wiring is probably circa 1930s so there is no telling the condition of these wires and fuses etc. For now, it is an extension cord running fromthe main lodge building (which is attached of course).
Thus, I will be uploading pictures of the mess soon so stay tuned. I have started sorting through the layers upon layers and getting piles ready for my work crew on monday to load into the garbage truck. The town is providing a large dump truck to load garbage into and then they cart it away to the dump at the end of the day. We are going to need about 15-20 loads I am sure. (if not more)
I did find all sorts of building material which may come in handy for our renovations: piles of sheetrock, 2x4s, 4x4s and an assortment of lumber and materials. this should do nicely.
more to come.
Andrew
Friday, February 19, 2010
ClusterF##K
Okay so today was a little tiny setback and a lesson in "always check the system" before you leave the building! I had turned the water on (again) to test all the valves again. I had tested before and all seemed to work okay. Then we shut off the water and drained the pipes before leaving the last time (early january) due to the extreme cold weather that would come.
So, yesterday I turned the water on again yet did not go upstairs after turning the water on...BIG MISTAKE. I came back to the lodge today and in the kitchen and prep room was just flooded with water. The faucet had been left open from the last draining (note to self again on this one). Water had been gushing out all night and into the day...as we were hiking in Medoc Mtn State Park taking in the beauty of the day and a brisk 55/60 degree day.
Well I spent the next 2 hours mopping and shopvacing lots and lots of water. The good news is that it did not leak below into the conference room/office that we had just cleaned and painted. The bad news is it leaked into the main floor auditorium. (not such a big deal considering we have not done anything to renovate or fix up this auditorium. The walls and ceilings are still down to the lathing and we need to rip a lot of this out anyway to re electrify, insulate, plumb and install sound to this room. so, it is not a total clusterf**k just an idiot move and am kicking myself for not checking the plumbing after turning on the water. Lesson Learned!!
On to new stuff. We are getting a public works dump truck on monday so we can begin the cleanout of the mess that is in the main auditorium and start removing all the garbage and old belongings that are here. I hope I can post a video of the cleanup process so you can see the sheer magnitude of the furniture and fixtures that have accummulated in this area. My god! Packrats!
Until we meet again
Drew
So, yesterday I turned the water on again yet did not go upstairs after turning the water on...BIG MISTAKE. I came back to the lodge today and in the kitchen and prep room was just flooded with water. The faucet had been left open from the last draining (note to self again on this one). Water had been gushing out all night and into the day...as we were hiking in Medoc Mtn State Park taking in the beauty of the day and a brisk 55/60 degree day.
Well I spent the next 2 hours mopping and shopvacing lots and lots of water. The good news is that it did not leak below into the conference room/office that we had just cleaned and painted. The bad news is it leaked into the main floor auditorium. (not such a big deal considering we have not done anything to renovate or fix up this auditorium. The walls and ceilings are still down to the lathing and we need to rip a lot of this out anyway to re electrify, insulate, plumb and install sound to this room. so, it is not a total clusterf**k just an idiot move and am kicking myself for not checking the plumbing after turning on the water. Lesson Learned!!
On to new stuff. We are getting a public works dump truck on monday so we can begin the cleanout of the mess that is in the main auditorium and start removing all the garbage and old belongings that are here. I hope I can post a video of the cleanup process so you can see the sheer magnitude of the furniture and fixtures that have accummulated in this area. My god! Packrats!
Until we meet again
Drew
Press Coverage
I should take a few minutes and talk about our press coverage to date. For one, the response in and around the town has been terrific and highly motivating and encouraging. I developed a press release along with my wife and friend Suzann A. I released it to the local, regional and national press for publication.
The first response was in January 2010 with the publication of the press release in the Commonwealth Progress, a local weekly based in Scotland Neck NC. This was a full reprint of the PR by the paper.
The second response was the Daily Southerner in Tarboro NC. They also printed the PR in its entirety.
Just this week I sat down with Della, a reporter for the Roanoke Daily Herald (Roanoke Rapids, NC) to provide details on who we were and on our plans for The Lodge. We toured the facility together and introduced her to Myra. She expects a story later this week and perhaps a series of 4-6 stories over the next month or so. This is very exciting to get this kind of feedback and support from the community. I knew this was going to be a great project and really and truly a labor of love. My two passions being music and film and I get to create a space to fulfill both those passions and then some. And I get a blank canvas to create and program incredible artists and performers for a willing audience. How great is that?
More to come!
The first response was in January 2010 with the publication of the press release in the Commonwealth Progress, a local weekly based in Scotland Neck NC. This was a full reprint of the PR by the paper.
The second response was the Daily Southerner in Tarboro NC. They also printed the PR in its entirety.
Just this week I sat down with Della, a reporter for the Roanoke Daily Herald (Roanoke Rapids, NC) to provide details on who we were and on our plans for The Lodge. We toured the facility together and introduced her to Myra. She expects a story later this week and perhaps a series of 4-6 stories over the next month or so. This is very exciting to get this kind of feedback and support from the community. I knew this was going to be a great project and really and truly a labor of love. My two passions being music and film and I get to create a space to fulfill both those passions and then some. And I get a blank canvas to create and program incredible artists and performers for a willing audience. How great is that?
More to come!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Elevator updates
Okay so we got a notice taped to our door from the state elevator inspector stating that since this elevator has not been inspected and/or serviced in over 5 years we had 60 days to get it tested and inspected or it would be CONDEMNED! Yikes. What this would mean is that we would have to pull out the entire elevator (this is an old Monarch lift from the 1930s mind you!)
We would then have to replace it with a modern code elevator. Can you even imagine the price we would pay for this? Well, the inspector was very pleasant and provided a list of names of elevator companies that were in the area and as far as Raleigh. I reached out to several and got Dave of Abell Elevators in Rocky Mount. Dave was Fantastic! He was out the very next day and took a look and thought it would be a pretty routine test and review. He then came with his technical person the following day and tested the elevator, lubed it up and fixed the "dohickey" mechanism that was preventing the exterior door from opening. There was a latch that was not firing properly to signal that the inner door was closed resulting in the exterior door not opening. This is kind of a huge problem for an elevator, you think?
Well, they got their minds together and within 2 or so hours they had all fixed and ready to go; and they ran the 1000 lb weight test which is required every 5 years. All systems go. Now, next week we have the state inspector put his seal of approval on it and we are certified for human cargo!
This elevator is one of the fastest elevators I have been on. The WTC in NYC was probably the fastest but for a 1930s era classic this takes it for sure. It stops with a bang but it gets you there!
We would then have to replace it with a modern code elevator. Can you even imagine the price we would pay for this? Well, the inspector was very pleasant and provided a list of names of elevator companies that were in the area and as far as Raleigh. I reached out to several and got Dave of Abell Elevators in Rocky Mount. Dave was Fantastic! He was out the very next day and took a look and thought it would be a pretty routine test and review. He then came with his technical person the following day and tested the elevator, lubed it up and fixed the "dohickey" mechanism that was preventing the exterior door from opening. There was a latch that was not firing properly to signal that the inner door was closed resulting in the exterior door not opening. This is kind of a huge problem for an elevator, you think?
Well, they got their minds together and within 2 or so hours they had all fixed and ready to go; and they ran the 1000 lb weight test which is required every 5 years. All systems go. Now, next week we have the state inspector put his seal of approval on it and we are certified for human cargo!
This elevator is one of the fastest elevators I have been on. The WTC in NYC was probably the fastest but for a 1930s era classic this takes it for sure. It stops with a bang but it gets you there!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Cold Times in the South
Just arrived yesterday back down in Enfield NC...beat a little more snow which should fall in a day or two back up north. although the temperature here in NC is pretty frigid...feels like NY/NJ weather.
Went inside the Lodge and it is like an icebox in there. Need to get the HVAC guys to adjust the gas blower fans so we can get some heat pumping. Myra and I walked through (hats & gloves on) and inspected the area to see how it fared the ice cold temps. It held up well and the only leaks are the 3 little ones that we had noticed before we left the last time. Appt with the roofer later this week to put the seal on these and get us air and element tight.
Received a notice on the door from the State elevator inspector who says that this old elevator which has not been serviced or inspected in over 5 years needs an inspection within 60 days. IF not done, the elevator is condemned and that would not be good. If this happens we have to replace the entire elevator with one coded by today's standard. Do NOT want that cost. I found a couple local elevator companies (in and around Rocky Mount/Raleigh) who are coming out tomorrow and the next day to assess and check out the Vator. Thank you!
Tonight is the night of the Enfield town council. On the docket is the approval of the sale of the enfield jail and enfield rescue squad to me. These properties are the adjacent properties to the lodge and I need to purchase them from the town to keep the property intact. Also, we plan on using these buildings as special VIP reception areas for pre and post show activities. Possibly, longer term we can have a cafe in here to serve lunch/dinners. So, off to my first council meeting! Should be fun....I am sure there will be subsequent posts on this.
Until then,
Went inside the Lodge and it is like an icebox in there. Need to get the HVAC guys to adjust the gas blower fans so we can get some heat pumping. Myra and I walked through (hats & gloves on) and inspected the area to see how it fared the ice cold temps. It held up well and the only leaks are the 3 little ones that we had noticed before we left the last time. Appt with the roofer later this week to put the seal on these and get us air and element tight.
Received a notice on the door from the State elevator inspector who says that this old elevator which has not been serviced or inspected in over 5 years needs an inspection within 60 days. IF not done, the elevator is condemned and that would not be good. If this happens we have to replace the entire elevator with one coded by today's standard. Do NOT want that cost. I found a couple local elevator companies (in and around Rocky Mount/Raleigh) who are coming out tomorrow and the next day to assess and check out the Vator. Thank you!
Tonight is the night of the Enfield town council. On the docket is the approval of the sale of the enfield jail and enfield rescue squad to me. These properties are the adjacent properties to the lodge and I need to purchase them from the town to keep the property intact. Also, we plan on using these buildings as special VIP reception areas for pre and post show activities. Possibly, longer term we can have a cafe in here to serve lunch/dinners. So, off to my first council meeting! Should be fun....I am sure there will be subsequent posts on this.
Until then,
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