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Altoona's Mishler Theatre, the subject of an Aug. 29 front-page Mirror article, is a relic of the past but also a gem of the present and future.
Going forward, it always should be appreciated for the opportunities it currently provides, and nurtured for a myriad of possibilities and opportunities not yet realized or imagined.
The one immediate goal that should not lose its urgency and luster is the task of keeping the theatre in the news, by way of what is happening within its walls and via its plans for the future, as well as by its status as an important ingredient in Altoona tourism.
On Aug. 29, it was tremendous news for all of Blair County, and even some locales beyond, that predictions about the theatre's future are increasingly upbeat, despite pandemic-related setbacks and the loss of a promotions company due to its cessation of operations.
Thanks to the vision and determination of the Blair County Arts Foundation, which operates the theatre, the generosity of theatre board and community members, and a couple of pandemic-related grants, the theatre has been able to emerge from the health crisis looking confident, not downtrodden or bedraggled.
Actually, the mid-20th century was a much more uncertain and challenging time for the venue than the temporarily disruptive coronavirus crisis. It was during the 1960s that demolition was considered an "answer" to a period of lack of use.
Back in those days, as downtown redevelopment kicked into high gear, many things not regarded as useful in the near future were being targeted for the wrecking ball.
The Arts Foundation and Altoona Community Theatre prevented that when they purchased the Mishler and embarked on renovating it; the theatre reopened in 1969 with its inaugural performance being 'The Sound of Music."
Major structural, electrical and plumbing work was initiated in the early 1990s, heading off what would be much more costly renovations, had they been postponed.
Without construction/renovation disruptions being necessary at this time, the Mishler has an array of bookings -- concerts, ballet recitals and weddings -- scheduled into the early part of 2023 that will continue breathing life into the cultural and entertainment facility.
"We always strive to have new and exciting entertainment at the Mishler Theatre," said Joe Stevens III, president of the foundation's board.
Stevens said the foundation is fortunate to have numerous longtime relationships with organizations that keep the theatre schedule full.
Although this cannot be characterized as the theatre's heyday, Isaac Mishler, who opened the theatre on Feb. 15, 1906, would have many reasons to be proud, nonetheless, if he were alive today -- particularly, how the theatre continues to blend nicely into the downtown's overall character amid the new round of revitalization underway.
He might even be shocked about how a venue such as his has been able to remain vibrant amid so many changes in the overall environment surrounding it and the many other available interests for people to pursue and enjoy.
Meanwhile, online historical accounts dealing with the theatre note that it was the first structure of its kind in America to be devoted completely to theatrical pursuits -- important on the tourism front.
The people of Altoona must never lose sight of the significance and importance of having a facility such as the Mishler to patronize and enjoy.