The Hillsboro Preservation Foundation is one of the newest organizations in Hillsboro. This non-profit was created to initially save and preserve our wonderful Traill Theater. The theater has been shut down since the late 60s or early 70s and has definitely seen better days, but even in it’s current state, the Traill is an icon of Main Street. It’s just simply a fantastic building from such a nostalgic time period.
The theater was sent to the County last year for unpaid back taxes. Knowing the County’s past position on old buildings, Michael Bishop suspected the building would be headed to the wrecking ball, which was confirmed in Michael’s first meeting with the County Commissioners on the subject. Not missing a beat, Michael got to work setting up a non-profit and establishing insurance for the intent of eventual ownership. After some negotiations with both County and City Commissioners, it was agreed that the County would deed the building to the City, who in turn sold it to Michael for $1.
Sharing in a love of the arts, old buildings and our town in general, Michael contacted me to see if I would join the group in the effort to save and restore the building into a multi-functional, visual and performing arts theater. My current role is backup, sounding board, and all around cheerleader for the project – with the intent of becoming more involved as time allows. This building is AWESOME! In my minds eye, I can see it completely restored and functional. But, we have a LONG ways to go. Perseverance. I’ll write more about the project as it progresses.
