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Old Saybrook Honors Hepburn
The restoration of the old town hall building on Old Saybrook, Connecticut’s Main Street will be known as the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center when it is completed in time for what would have been the legendary actresses’ 100th birthday in May of 2007. Hepburn, who died in Old Saybrook on June 29, 2003 at age ninety-six, resided in the Fenwick area of town, a placed she “loved dearly” and where she spent much of her time since a child.
Built in 1911 by a local musical and dramatic club the handsome building will once again provide community activities such as it did in its earlier days. Soon to be designated as a State and National Landmark it recalls the era when vaudeville, silent movies, live theater performances by Ethel Barrymore, Irene Rich, and others, were presented. The hall will once again offer programs and activities for all age groups.
The naming of the building for Miss Hepburn has been endorsed by the family and the executors of her estate. Working with East Wharf Architects of Madison, CT the project is being funded in part by the town’s annual budget and grants from the State of Connecticut. The renovations and addition will accommodate seating for 268 patrons. A million-dollar capital campaign is underway to raise funds to provide theater equipment and furnish the interior. Opportunities to name many of the original features of the building that include the balcony, proscenium arch, stage, ticket booth, foyer and individual theater chairs are available for those who wish to honor Miss Hepburn, whose acting career began at 21-years of age when she debuted on Broadway in 1928 with a bit
part in Night Hostess.
For inquiries contact Roland Laine, Town Hall Restoration Committee, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Telephone (860) 395-3127. rlaine@town.old-saybrook.ct.us Tax deductible donations are payable to KHCAC, Town of Old Saybrook.
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