The 350th Anniversary Steering Committee is calling on local citizens for assistance in preparation for its upcoming History Talk presentation on the Southbury Playhouse.
Do you have memories of The Southbury Playhouse? Or maybe have pictures from the shows or performances? If so, we want to hear from you – please send an email to southburyhistory@gmail.com.
Mark your calendar as well for the 350th History Talk presentation, an artifact display and interactive discussion of Southbury’s cultural center of the past, for Friday, August 18th, 1pm at Southbury Library. Register at https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/memories-southbury-playhouse.
The Southbury Playhouse was originally a sturdy barn on the Hicock's property as early as 1770. It was built with chestnut beams and wooden pegs, and enlarge throughout the years. The barn was used for many purposes, including a tobacco barn and later for cattle auctions. In 1947, Jack Quinn leased the building from the St. Pierre family for the purpose of converting it to a playhouse. Quinn ran the playhouse for five years. Eventually, W. Thomas Littleton took over the playhouse and successfully kept it going for 20 years. He produced 500 plays before the barn was condemned and had to close in 1985. Even though the developer who purchased the property tried to save the barn, he was not able to get the required permits. The Southbury Playhouse was demolished on March 1, 1989. Today, the site is home to Playhouse Corner, 77 Main Street North, where Main Street South meets Main Street North.
The Town of Southbury is holding events and activities all year long to celebrate 350 years of community, culture and history (1673-2023), aimed at highlighting the past and progress of the one and only Southbury.
The 350th Anniversary Steering Committee is co-chaired by John Dwyer and Kevin Bielmeier, with vice-chair Brian Jones, Justin Bette, Lynn Dwyer, Melinda Elliott, Michael Ganem, Kara Kenney, Mary Korsu, and Gosia Liedlich.
To learn more about the 350th Anniversary visit www.southbury-ct.org/350.