Debating the Schine's project

Just look at building to see council's failure

Seventy years ago, Auburn closed its schools and shops to make way for “The Pageant of Progress.” The pageant was a large celebration parade that ended up at the doors of Auburn's newest marvel, The Auburn Schine's Theater. About 3,000 people tried to cram their way into the brand new theater for the first afternoon show on Sept. 15, 1938. With a seating capacity of only 1,702, many first-time patrons were turned away until the evening show, which also sold out. The theater continued to be Auburn's centerpiece until the late '70s.

Today the same theater that brought famous movie stars into our little town is silent. The very building that was the hope for Auburn's future has little future of its own. Just 10 years ago the Auburn Schine's was world famous. Today, the world is wondering what happened. The project took off with a tremendous fire and then suddenly smoldered out.