Since I served as a volunteer with the Clock Tower Theatre Association from 1995 through 2007, I honestly felt the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville owed me and my colleagues something, even a letter of thanks.

However, for whatever reason, since no memo of appreciation, written or verbal has been forthcoming, I decided Saturday to take the law into my own hands.

I borrowed a brick from the Nineteen on the Park job site in downtown Stouffville.

While I won’t dwell on the importance of my prize, there’s a scant possibility this age-old chunk of baked clay could be the missing hinge between a century-old movie house and a brand new arts centre.

I’ll run the risk.

If this all sounds like a get-even soliloquy, you’re right.

Clock Tower theatre group members did everything expected of them, even to digging into pockets and purses for membership money.

Not to mention the fact they raised thousands of dollars to cover requested, but rejected, planning
proposals.

The result? Total dismissal.

Like the committee never existed. Twelve years of service down the drain.

So what do we have? Only a shell, a fragile skeletal structure requiring eight steel props to hold it up.

Rightly or wrongly I keep hoping the ghosts of the former home of the Stanley Theatre will, some night soon, whip up winds of sufficient strength to knock the wretched remains to the ground.

For that’s where it belongs. And that’s what I’ve always contended, even though most committee cohorts felt differently.

Start fresh, I once argued. This way, the area’s artsy folk could have a building that suited their needs and the town could save a hunk of cash.

But no, there’s always of a segment of populace that sees irreplaceable beauty in something old. Despite the fact a major overhaul usually proves impractical.

The other option to a favoured new structure on the Civic Avenue site could have been a blended addition to the Lebovic Centre, already a hive of activity with plenty of parking.

Unfortunately, our politicians, already pressured to do something, bowed to the whims of a vocal minority.
So we have what you see:an ugly, decrepit building, grossly undersized for a community bursting at the seams.

I call it tunnel vision. You’ll call it sour grapes.

No, I’m not a member of the Start-Up Team. And I feel sorry for those who are: chairperson Harry French, Councilor Susanne Hilton, Jane Bishop, Eric Button, Dorie Billich, Brenda McGowan, Nancy Matheson, Elizabeth Plashkes, Kym Pyke, Bob Stover and Kathi Wood.

All good people with the needs of the town in tow.

Unfortunately, the parameters in which they’re forced to work are so small, their hands are virtually tied.

History may prove me wrong.

This downtown ugly duckling may emerge as a graceful swan.

This former bowling alley, market place and movie theatre may some day shine like a priceless gem.

Colourful productions may light up the stage six nights a week and audiences may flock to the site from kilometres around.

 I hope.

 However, on this occasion, I wish council had momentarily forgotten the past and concentrated on the future.

That’s where the life of our town lies.

Regardless, I retain in my ‘room of memories’ one Stanley Theatre brick.

It looks as forlorn as its brittle counterparts scattered about a site some still regard as sacred.
 
Jim Thomas is a Stouffville resident who has written for area newspapers for more than 50 years.