Pocono News Section

Historic Theater Damaged by Flooding, Fire

Historic Theater Damaged by Flooding, Fire - Monday, June 30, 2008 at 6:15PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Jun 30, 2008 @ 06:15pm EST
Lewisburg, Union County-

A historic theater in Union County is down, but not out, after being ravaged by flooding and fire over the weekend.

It started out as an ordinary Sunday afternoon at the Campus Theatre in Lewisburg. But then, just before the 5PM showing of Wall-E, theater workers realized water was seeping into the basement. Patrons were evacuated just before the situation went from bad to worse.

Jenni Stieler, a theater board member, said, "There ended up being about 4 feet of water in the basement and that caused a small electrical fire."

The fire was quickly put out and firefighters were able to pump out most of the water. Thankfully, the damage was contained to the basement.

Sue Jamison, of East Buffalo Township, noted, "I was saddened to know that something had damaged it and I hope that it will be able to re-open very soon."

The main movie theater, though dark because the power has been cut off, was untouched by the flooding and fire. We found workers changing the "Temporarily Closed" sign on the marquee, to a more positive "Down, Not Out" quote, that accurately describes the theater's current outlook.

Stieler explained, "Everybody cares so much about the Campus Theatre that we want people to at least know that it's not devastating, like I said, it didn't affect the inside of the main theater."

The Campus Theatre has stood here in Lewisburg since 1941. It's a mainstay of the community. Owners and patrons alike say they can't wait until it's up and running once again.

"I'm just really glad it's in the community. It really adds an attractiveness to downtown Lewisburg," Jamison added.

The Campus Theatre is a non-profit organization with close ties to Bucknell University.