UNION THEATRE was built in 1947 by the Reynolds and Boswell families, it was an active movie theater until the early 1960's when it closed and was abandoned until 1984. Union Point’s original theatre was located on Sibley Avenue in one of the original town buildings. In 1984, it was purchased by Lucius Morgan. It was Morgan Furniture Store (1984-1997). During this period the marquee was removed an
d a glass enclosed display/exhibition room was added to the front of the building. Mobley Saddlery and Harness, Inc.(1997 -2007) occupied the building. From 1997 to 2007 it was the "Mobley Saddlery and Harness,Inc." In 2007 the Mobleys', who are active in Union Point's economic revitalization, offered to sell the building to the "Downtown Development Authority of Union Point"(DDA) if it would be used as a community oriented facility. With the help of a $72,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, the building was purchased in June 2007 by the DDA... Once the theater was purchased in June 2007 and grants secured, the real work began. Being strong believers in "a picture is worth a thousand words", the Downtown Development Authority of Union Point commissioned the University of Georgia, Georgia Trust and Department of Community Affairs to create two "Concept Designs" of what the theater's façade. With the aid of many volunteers, the dropped ceiling was removed, exposing the original ceiling. To be able to hold events year around, we installed four heating/air-conditioning units in each corner of the main theater. Our Union Point Volunteer Firemen painted the restrooms. Rural Development Grants were secured from USDA for the purchase, the marquee and lights, for the HAC units. Two matching grants came from Plum Creek through the Georgia Department for Economic Development awards $12,614 "Tourism Product Development" The grant was to build two ADA compliant restrooms in "Union Theatre". NIBCO completely rewired the back area that will be used for a warming kitchen for catered events. The renovation was approached by Phases. We have completed Phase I: marquee, outdoor lighting, lighting for lobby area and restrooms. Phase II will begin as soon as grants, donations, and workers become available. This will entail the completion of the auditorium; lights, ceilings, walls, visual and audio equipment and other details. Phase III will complete our warming kitchen and Phase IV will renovate the balcony and stage area. Please join us as we continue this community driven revitalization effort of a wonderful
1947 movie theater. Our bucket list is long. Please contact us at [email protected] and tell us when: You are available and when. If you have any particular interests: we like for our volunteers help in areas of their strengths. Make us aware of your talent or skill. As a Federal and State recognized non-profit, charitable organization,
all contributions are tax deductible. We accept both financial contributions
and in-kind donations. If you would like to donate funds, please make checks payable to
"UPDDA - Theatre Project" and send it to:
Union Point Downtown Development Authority
P.O. Box 233
Union Point, GA 30669
If you would like to make in-kind donations:
Call Susan Higdon ,Program Manager
(706) 486-2351 or email at [email protected]
We believe in being guided by how our residents want the theater to be used. We conducted surveys of our local residents and found what their interests are. Music 92 respondents
Movies 51
Plays 46
Meetings/Gatherings 40
Events/Parties/Weddings 34
Shows (art/craft, comedy) 22
Dinners (movie/theater) 15
Bingo 14
Markets 9
2007
Southern Influence Singers: 185 people listened to a live country and folk singing group. Gospel Evening: 130 people enjoyed an evening of 8 local and regional gospel singers.
2008
Giant Garage Sale: 500 people bought from the 40 vendors that sold "everything under the sun" and had a great time doing it. Folks keep asking when the next sale is. Gospel and Country Music Evening: Twice as much fun and music for the 75 people who enjoyed the event. Town Hall Meeting: 95 people including Federal, State and Local government representatives heard what our Downtown Development achievements and plans were. There was a delicious free BBQ dinner afterwards. "Elvis is Back" Evening: 175 people packed the theater to hear 4 hours of wonderful live Elvis songs...most joined in the swinging and singing.
2009
Giant Indoor Garage Sale: Due to popular demand the event was repeated. 300 people and 35 vendors again had a profitable and entertaining day. An Evening of Jazz with Gwen Hughes and the Retro Jazz Kats:
In cooperation with the Georgia Council for the Arts "Grass Roots Arts" Program and with advertising support from the Greene County Tourism Committee, an evening of old, original and modern jazz was enjoyed by 75 guests in a "jazz club" decorated theater.
2010Try Your Hand At Art: In cooperation with the Georgia Council for the Arts "Grass Roots Arts" Program, 12 professional, multi-medium artists taught 41 children and adults how to draw, dance, play dulcimers/guitars/pianos, tell stories, create wire and clay art, paint in oil and acrylic, write poetry and decorate food. It was a great success.
2011
Music events and rentals for private functions, Town Hall Meetings
2012 Community Market and Town Hall Meetings
Music Events and rentals for private functions
Union Junction Jamboree pumpkin contests where held.
2013 Union Point STEAM Academy presented their version of UPSA Idol with 200 in attendance
Union Point Better Hometown held the family FUN NITE and movie: THE CROODS
The entertainment venue of UJJ 2013
