A change of plans for the Winfield Community Building

[Editor’s note: This is the second part in a series of articles about the history of the Winfield Community Building. Watch for more information on the transformation of the theater into a community building and the memories created there in future editions of the Winfield Beacon-Wayland News.]

Clyde Pratt and his brother brought the first moving pictures to Winfield in the early 1900's, starting out in a remodeled storage shed. Soon they realized they needed more space and built an Airdone, which was declared a "World Wonder" by the public. Their goal was to give Winfield a ''fine theater" and their dream came to fruition in 1915 when they opened one of the finest theaters in southeastern Iowa. The theater proved years of entertainment for Winfied folks and beyond. However, all good things must come to an end as did the enthusiasm for movies. The theater was no longer profitable and Pratt decided to sell it giving the Winfield Community Center Board first chance to buy it.

A Change of Plans

Following Pratt’s offer to sell the theater building plans to build a community center came to a halt while the board examined the possibility of excepting Pratt’s offer. The main issue was would it be cost effective to remodel the existing building compared to building a new one. The board met to discuss this issue. A meeting was held at the theater to evaluate the building and determine what changes needed to be made. Contractors were contacted to estimate the cost of remodeling the building,

After determining the theater was the best option for providing Winfield with a community center a proposal to purchase the building was made. The property was owned by the Pratt family of Washington and could be purchased for $6,000. The plans were to do extensive remodeling of the basement and main floor. Among those present it was agreed that it would cost much less to purchase the building and remodel it than it would to build a new one. Before the proposal could be operational people who had purchased or pledged to purchase memberships had to be contacted

In November of 1955 the Board voted to purchase the theater and adjacent lot. Not only would it cost less to remodel the theater and it would also provide more space for more uses. In March 1956, the contract was signed, and the theater was in possession of the Board. Once the abstract was delivered remodeling would begin. Plans called for a kitchen in the basement as well as a large hall for recreation and restrooms. The first floor would be remodeled for an auditorium and the floor raised from a sloping one to a level one. It had been written in the contract that E.L.Kramer, who had purchased the theater equipment in 1954 and leased the building for three years could continue to show movies.

For remodeling to begin Dr. Widmer, Ch. of the Community Center Board called for volunteers, asking that they show up in the evenings to begin the project. This was in June of 1956 and by July remodeling was moving along as scheduled relying mostly on volunteers from the area. However, the funds were not keeping up with the need for materials. Four to five thousand dollars of unpaid pledges needed to be paid for work on the building to be completed. Thus far the work on the first floor, including the leveling of the floor, had been done. The balconies were to be removed, but the projection booth and the small apartment would be left. Plans were to have an area in the basement large enough for roller skating. The rooms to house the cloakroom, refreshment stand, and the restrooms were ready to be enclosed.

Next a meeting was held in the office of Doctor Widmer to discuss plans for continuing the work of converting the theater into a community building. The next steps involved installing side windows, enclosing the front, and laying down the hardwood floor. Then the heating plant and radiators would be installed.

To help raise awareness of the progress of the community building and the needs for funds Dr Widmer was invited to speak to the high school students about the benefits the community building would offer youth. As a result of his talk the students voted to do away with their 50 cent Christmas gift exchange and instead donate the money to the community building fund to help purchase equipment for the youth’s room. The amount raised totaled about $65

On September 8th 1957, the building was used for the first time for a Harvest Day dance. Music for the dance was provided by Jimmy Davis on the piano and organ, with W.L. Cecil on the drums. While it was possible to use the first floor in moderate weather there was still a great deal of work to be done which resulted in the need for more money, a persistent problem from the beginning of the project.

At the annual meeting in September there were 26 members present and three new directors were elected to the Community Building Board: Ron Rodrick, Warren Scott, and Dale Larson. Immediately after the annual meeting the organization committee met, and new officers were elected. They were Dr. Widmer, president, Homer Hillyard vice president, G. R. Arthaud, treasurer, and Herman Wolf, secretary. Thelma Carden was reappointed recording secretary. The entire building committee was also re-appointed: W.J Grimmer, Homer Hillyard, W.L. Cecil, Andy Schmidt, and Mayne Courter. Two new members were added to the finance committee. They were Alden Fricke and Lyle Gipple. Other members who were re-appointed were Paul Klopfenstein, Pauline Payne, George Kepper and Herman Wolf. Again, the need for more money and how to obtain it was discussed.

In October the Homecoming Dance was held immediately following the coronation of Homecoming Queen Carolyn Carden which was held at the football field. Her attendants were Dixie Anderson and Beverly Lenz. Music for the dance was provided by the Off Beats from Burlington and admission was 50 cents. Proceeds from the dance were donated to the Community Building fund to help complete work on the basement which will be available to area youth.