Sunday, the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart kicked off its year-long centennial celebration with a special event that brought the community together to reflect on 100 years of history and the theater's role as a cornerstone of Elkhart's cultural fabric.
Hundreds gathered to witness a unique screening of The Navigator, the first film ever shown at the theater when it opened in 1924. The event was filled with music, history, and heartfelt tributes to the theater’s legacy.
Diana Lawson is chair of the Lerner 100th Anniversary Committee. She addressed the crowd, acknowledging the theater’s importance to the community.
“This remarkable venue has been a cornerstone of our community,” Lawson said. “And a beacon of creativity and an inspiration for an entire century. Since it’s grand opening in 1924, The Lerner Theatre has been more than just a place to watch a show.”
For many, the Lerner’s impact goes far beyond just entertainment. It’s a symbol of Elkhart’s resilience and growth, and its history is intertwined with the efforts of those who believed in its potential, like the late Philip Miller.
A video was shown during the event that featured Miller, who passed away in 2018. His vision for the future of the Lerner Theatre and the Elkhart community was crucial in the restoration and revitalization of the landmark building in the 1980s.
“When I was growing up in Elkhart,” Miller said in the video, “one of the things we always did…was we came down on Saturday morning for about three hours, and watched movies and cartoons at this facility. And everybody that has their heritage in Elkhart seemed to have done the same thing. We heard this over and over again at the grand opening.”
In 1988, Miller took action. He rallied local leaders and arts supporters to help restore the Elco Theatre, which would go on to become the iconic Lerner Theatre we know today. His foresight helped transform not only the building, but also the downtown area of Elkhart, sparking the revitalization of the entire community.
“We would like this to truly be the heart of the city in terms of arts and entertainment,” Miller said in the video. “We think this ought to be the premier arts and entertainment venue.”
The celebration of the Lerner’s centennial will continue throughout the year, with more events planned to bring people together and celebrate the theater's role in Elkhart's history and future.
“As plans are finalized,” Lawson said, “we will share updates, so you can mark your calendars.”
The celebration took on a festive air when Elkhart’s Mayor, Rod Roberson, spoke to the crowd about how the Lerner has been a catalyst for downtown growth and revitalization.
“We have grown in Elkhart,” Roberson said, “increasing population, and our downtown just took off once we reopened up the Lerner.”
Clark Wilson, known for his skillful performances on the organ, led the crowd in singing a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" to the Lerner Theatre, celebrating its century of life.
With the crowd in high spirits, Clark Wilson then introduced The Navigator, the silent film that first graced the screen at the Lerner Theatre 100 years ago. The movie, paired with Wilson’s live organ playing, transported the audience back to the golden age of cinema.
As the film began, the magic of the moment was undeniable. It wasn’t just a screening; it was a living tribute to the theater’s history and the people who worked tirelessly to keep it alive.
And as the year-long centennial celebration continues, the Lerner Theatre’s story will keep unfolding, honoring its rich past while looking forward to many more years of community, culture, and entertainment.
