Volume 12 , Issue 7

Ranger Theatre Renovations

Your article about the Harper KS theater reminded me to send you a notice that Alva's old "Ranger" theater will be seeing new life!

After sitting empty for so many years now, the theatre has been purchased by Nick and Cara Bradt, both NWOSU alumni and both teachers in the Alva Public Schools. They plan a historic renovation and will be keeping a log of their progress, including photographs, for the historical record.

The theatre is intact, though the roof has leaked for several years. To the extent possible, the renovation will include all original materials (light fixtures and the like are still there).

This is fantastic news for the Alva community. Civic minded as they are, the Bradts plan to make the facility available as a community center, showing silent movies, opening for musical recitals, plays, and the like.

This will be one of several bright spots on the downtown square. The Rialto, of course, continues in its same location (there are those who dream of seeing the large neon sign lighted once again, but so far that hasn't happened).

The Runnymede is a beauty to behold and is always busy (but still has an un-completed third floor), and there is at least one other project that will be announced publicly very soon, an art center on the south side of the square.

The old McClure Mansion is a work in progress, thanks to Mark Bellah, who purchased it and is restoring it to its former glory. It will be a showplace once again - if I understand correctly, it will become a bed and breakfast (though I'm not 100% certain of that; it may be "grapevine rumor"). If it's true, it joins the restored Crowell Mansion for exquisite B&B experiences in Alva (and for historic preservation efforts!).

Things are definitely looking up in Alva!
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