As we swiftly pace through our times looking for the "latest and greatest," we can easily forget to sit back, relax and get lost in the wonder of what was.

There aren't many, but there still are places that will bring you back in time and a Lowville man is hoping to save one and the history it represents.


What You Need To Know


  • Lowville is home to a 120-year-old single-screen movie theater
  • The Lowville Town Hall Theatre has seen its share of success, but like so many COVID-19 has hit it hard
  • During the downtime, the owner is working to preserve the building but has also started a Go-Fund-Me in hopes he can get some help to not only re-open it when the state allows, but ensure its future

The Lowville Town Hall Theatre has spent 120 years in the spotlight. Previously a USO club, a silent movie house, and an opera house, the Lowville Town Hall Theatre truly is this community's time machine.

"My goal is to keep it alive and healthy for the next generation," theater owner Patrick O'Brien said.

As you look around, you feel the history. The are the 70-year-old murals. There is the single screen. It is the entire atmosphere.

"This is a small-town, single-screen movie theater and it's rare to have these," O'Brien said.

However, as society craves what's new, this place has found a way to deliver a balance. Showing first-run blockbusters from a complete 21st century digital format projector.

"It has the capability of 3 trillion colors," O'Brien said.

That mix of the past and present is why you come here. However, as COVID-19 has shut things down, O'Brien has spent his recent days making sure the theater is ready for when it can open once again.

"I really can't say enough for the feel of the old-time theater," he said. "A single-screen movie theater in a small town. It's a beating heart in that little town."

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has also meant no income for this town's heartbeat. O'Brien estimates a six-figure loss since March. So he's turning to all of the people for help.

Despite his reluctance to do so, he has set up a GoFundMe page to raise some much needed funding to not only shore up the building itself, but add a stage to bring in small concerts and comedy shows.

"Dual-purposing it or multi-purposing a theater would only help," O'Brien said.