The Elgin Theatre Guild remains grateful for a $200,000 gift received in 2011 from the Estate of Dorothy Palmer that helped us renovate three main areas to our Princess Avenue Playhouse.
The theatre used this generous donation for long-term preservation of the building and its heritage elements for future generations; adding to the versatility of the venue; and improved audience experience.
The roof was done and the stained glass windows re-leaded to preserve the heritage building.
Stage curtains, lighting upgrades, better sound capabilities and electrical upgrades, plus a performance trust fund was established to add to the versatility of the Playhouse space and allow more music acts to use the facility. The lobby was renovated and the parking lot paved.
The board continues to preserve the heritage of the Historic Princess Ave Playhouse while indulging in its chief pleasure, creating a theatre and arts hub that builds on its 49-year history of the Elgin Theatre Guild, and expands the arts offerings to the community.
The board of directors and volunteers of the Elgin Theatre Guild remain most grateful to the benevolence of Mrs. Palmer and the confidence shown by her trustee in making this gift.
The theatre used this generous donation for long-term preservation of the building and its heritage elements for future generations; adding to the versatility of the venue; and improved audience experience.
The roof was done and the stained glass windows re-leaded to preserve the heritage building.
Stage curtains, lighting upgrades, better sound capabilities and electrical upgrades, plus a performance trust fund was established to add to the versatility of the Playhouse space and allow more music acts to use the facility. The lobby was renovated and the parking lot paved.
The board continues to preserve the heritage of the Historic Princess Ave Playhouse while indulging in its chief pleasure, creating a theatre and arts hub that builds on its 49-year history of the Elgin Theatre Guild, and expands the arts offerings to the community.
The board of directors and volunteers of the Elgin Theatre Guild remain most grateful to the benevolence of Mrs. Palmer and the confidence shown by her trustee in making this gift.
About Mrs. Palmer:
A graduate of St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, Dorothy Palmer taught elementary school children in Eden, Sparta, and at Myrtle Street School in St. Thomas. An accomplished pianist and singer, she particularly enjoyed her role as a music instructor in the schools and as a member of church and community choirs. Mrs. Palmer lived her whole life as a resident of Elgin County. She died in June 2010.
Statement from the trustee of the Dorothy Palmer estate:
In June 2011, an agreement was reached between the Guild and Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Estate of Mrs. Palmer, to refurbish the Princess Avenue Playhouse in St. Thomas. “It is exciting to know that the people of St. Thomas and surrounding area will soon have the opportunity to attend plays and concerts in a freshly updated facility,” Mr. Gunn commented. “I am confident, knowing how much Dorothy enjoyed live music and theatre, that this is a very appropriate project for the Estate to support. The Playhouse will have a fresh look and will be well used by the community for many years to come. It is truly exciting to support this project.”
A graduate of St. Thomas Collegiate Institute, Dorothy Palmer taught elementary school children in Eden, Sparta, and at Myrtle Street School in St. Thomas. An accomplished pianist and singer, she particularly enjoyed her role as a music instructor in the schools and as a member of church and community choirs. Mrs. Palmer lived her whole life as a resident of Elgin County. She died in June 2010.
Statement from the trustee of the Dorothy Palmer estate:
In June 2011, an agreement was reached between the Guild and Andrew Gunn, Trustee of the Estate of Mrs. Palmer, to refurbish the Princess Avenue Playhouse in St. Thomas. “It is exciting to know that the people of St. Thomas and surrounding area will soon have the opportunity to attend plays and concerts in a freshly updated facility,” Mr. Gunn commented. “I am confident, knowing how much Dorothy enjoyed live music and theatre, that this is a very appropriate project for the Estate to support. The Playhouse will have a fresh look and will be well used by the community for many years to come. It is truly exciting to support this project.”
