Best Little Warehouse In Spencer
The dream of a permanent home for Spencer Community Theatre became a reality in June, 1982 when the former Spencer Grocer Building was purchased to house the theatre’s auditorium and support facilities.
The Spencer Grocer Building was built in 1921 and the warehouse addition was completed in 1928. In 1969, a new raised roof was added to the auditorium portion of the theatre. While looking for period beer advertising signs to be used for props in Damn Yankees, Tom Johnson came to the warehouse and discovered an empty eyesore of a building just waiting to be transformed. SCT’s actual possession of the building took place on August 1, 1982 when it was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Ray Treadway, who acquired it in 1981 when the late Marion Carver and Roy Fenske sold the firm.
During the summer of 1982 under the guidance of Stan Scholerman, Jack Easter, Hank Toebes, Toby Shine, and Gene Luken, and with the help of the entire Spencer community, the “Best Little Warehouse in Spencer” because the “Best Little ‘Theatre’ Warehouse in Spencer.” By November 1982, major renovation had been finished and My Fair Lady opened the building.
Over the years, SCT has continued to grow and expand its operation and programming, and is able to house under one roof: space for permanent storage of properties, flats, and platforms; workshop; lobby; box office; business offices; green room; concession stand; and an auditorium providing 266 seats. SCT’s Costume Shop was also able to find a permanent home on the second floor, housing over 25,000 costumes and theatrical properties.
Improvements to the facility have been many, including: 1983 seat drive headed by Ben Shine and Terry Fogaty to install new seating in the auditorium; installation of air-conditioning with the help of Doris Johnson/The House of Dorelle and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs in 1984; replacement of the freight elevator with a new stairway and installation of a new Costume Shop roof in 1991 with the financial support of Jane Byrn and Terry and Renee Fogaty; installation of a $10,000 sound system in 1992; in 1990 Mr. and Mrs. Ray Treadway gave SCT the lot north of the theatre building which we hop will be used for future expansion. SCT also appreciates the yearly support of all our patrons and recognizes Agnes Goecke for continually being a Producer among our patrons.
Before 1982, SCT had been housed in a variety of locations as the group continued to grow and expand its operations and needs. In 1976, thanks to Myles Johnson and the Clay County Fair Board, SCT found a new home in the 4-H building at the Clay County Fairgrounds. Other temporary locations for the theatre have included the Woodcliff Ballroom, the former Crest Show Lounge, Spencer Middle School Auditorium, United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, and the Band Shell at Leach Park.
In 1996, Christmas came early for SCT. A very generous benefactor asked for SCT’s “Wish List,” then proceeded to purchase some of those items for the theatre. In May, a delivery truck pulled up to the back door of the workshop and unloaded a drill press, table saw, router, Makita drill, a specialty expansion ladder/scaffold and assorted hand tools. The next thing delivered was a new fog machine. Then a check arrived in the exact amount needed to remodel the concession stand.
Amateur theatre has thrived in and been support by the Spencer area for over sixty years. In the 1930’s, Spencer Drama Club had its birth and through the years various organizations have staged theatre productions. In 1960, Spencer Entertainment, an off-shoot of Spencer Clef Club, mounted Oklahoma!. In 1975, Spencer Entertainment became Spencer Community Theatre, Inc. and the rest is history. Good history for theatrical arts in Spencer.
