Dunbar Theatre (Kansas)

The Dunbar Theatre is a movie theater in Wichita, Kansas. Opened in 1941, it was named after an American author Paul Laurence Dunbar.[1] It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places since July 2, 2008, and the Kansas State Registry of Historic Places.[2][3] It is located at 1007 N Cleveland St. in the McAdams Neighborhood, which is a historically African-American Neighborhood.[3]

Dunbar Theatre entrance Jan 2019
Dunbar Theatre Jan 2019

History

Origin

The Dunbar Theatre opened on August 15, 1941, a time at which other theaters in the Wichita area did not serve African American patrons. It was designed by Raymond M. Harmon, and built specifically to serve the African American community.[4][1][5]

Significance

The Dunbar was the hub of the neighborhood business and social community. The area was one of only a few where African Americans could freely do business and participate in cultural and social events in the Jim Crow era. In addition to films, the Dunbar hosted plays, pageants, and touring African American performers.[6]

Wichitan Ferwilda Sears said, "The blacks didn't have a theater to go to, but the Dunbar was open to us."[4] City Councilwoman Lavonta Williams, who represents the area said, “When we were kids, we were dropped off at that theater almost every Saturday.”[7]

Decline

The Dunbar closed in 1963. The City of Wichita twice attempted to condemn and demolish the Dunbar in 1980 and 1991, 'but the historic site was saved through community action.[7]

Restoration

Restoration of the Dunbar is a project of the P.O.W.E.R. Community Development Corporation led by James Arbertha, Founding Executive Director, who hopes to reopen the Dunbar in 2020.[7][8] Restoration of the sign and marquee took place from 2012-2014.[7] The new Marquee was dedicated on December 14, 2012.[9] The Wichita City Council approved funding more than $600,000 toward the renovation effort in November 2017.[8] Once restored, the Dunbar will be a 340-seat theater with a concession area and restrooms.[10]

The restored Dunbar Theatre sign
The restored Dunbar Theatre Marquee

After the existing theatre is restored, new construction will begin to add a black box theater, an arts center, educational facilities, a public gallery, and a bookstore. The restoration effort will also include the Turner Drug Store, which will be converted to a cafe.[10]

Current use

Despite the theater not being ready for use, outdoor community activities take place on the property outside. Two of the more notable events were the August 25, 2017 End of Summer Bash, and the September 3, 2018Melanin Fest, both fundraisers for the restoration efforts.[11][8]

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References
  1. "Dunbar Theatre in Wichita, KS - Cinema Treasures". cinematreasures.org. Cinema Treasures. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  2. "Asset Detail". npgallery.nps.gov. US National Park Service: National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  3. "Dunbar Theatre - Registers of Historic Places - Kansas Historical Society". www.kshs.org. Kansas Historical Society. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
  4. "Historic Dunbar Theater getting primed for renewal". www.kake.com. KAKE TV. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
  5. KWCH. "Wichita City Council approves spending to help restore, reopen historic Dunbar Theatre". www.kwch.com. Retrieved 2019-01-08.
  6. "Plan Proposes "The Dunbar" as a One-of-a-Kind Offering". Community Voice KS. Retrieved 2019-01-05.
  7. Lefler, Dion. "Historic Wichita theater could reopen by 2020". Kansas.com. The Wichita Eagle. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  8. Johnston, Katie. "Historic Dunbar Theater the backdrop for Melanin Fest". www.kwch.com. KWCH TV. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  9. Jr, Robert E. Weems. "Past and Present: Dunbar Theater". www.kmuw.org. Retrieved 2019-01-05.
  10. KWCH. "Plan presented to restore Wichita's historic Dunbar Theatre". www.kwch.com. KWCH TV. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
  11. Cowzinski, Manny. "Things To Do In Doo-Dah | Manny | B98 FM". Manny. B98 FM. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
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