It’s not every day you turn 100. This year the building that houses the well- known and beloved South Jackson Civic Center (SJCC) will turn 100 years old. Since its construction in 1886 as a public school, the building has served as a hub for learning for the community that continues today.
AN EDUCATIONAL BEGINNING
In 1886, Tullahoma’s first public school, South Jackson School, was constructed. As the school grew, additions were add- ed that included a 460-seat auditorium in 1922. In 1979, after the school was no longer in use, the community came together to revitalize and save the his- toric school building, thus the South Jackson Civic Association was born and the building became the South Jackson Civic Center.
The 100 years celebration is to com- memorate the 1922 construction of the auditorium that today hosts events rang- ing from concerts to plays to local events of all kinds.
A YEAR OF CELEBRATION
To celebrate, the center will be showcasing to the community all that it offers along with what it plans to bring to the community for the future.
According to the center’s executive director and SJCC board chairman, Greg Gressel, events such as stage productions, concerts, community events, and more will be taking place.
Productions will include “Last Round-Up of the Guacamole Queens,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Always Patsy Cline” as part of the Com- munity Playhouse series.
“Our play finding committee really set out to pro- vide a good season,” said Gressel. “Other traditional shows and events will include “The Nutcracker”, the center’s Ice Cream Social, and “South Jackson Goes Country”, which everyone gets excited for.”
The center will also welcome local musical acts to perform on the newly constructed outside stage for the center’s Friday Night Concert Series.
According to Gressel, the series kicked off April 15 and will include local performers such as Salem Creek and The Stan Allen Band.
MOVING FORWARD
While proud of the past, Gressell said he and mem- bers of SJCC understand the importance of keeping the center moving towards the future.
To ensure that the center continues to do just that, they are holding capital campaign drives as a means to raise funds to preserve and update the building for years to come.
“We are hoping to spur on the next phase of that because all of the funds raised from that will go towards refinishing the floors and new seating on both levels,” he said. “We are looking to install an or- chestra pit along with new chandelier house lighting. Our goal is to get the center back to that 1920s look. We want to show our relevance in the community and the value of what it means to have a perform- ing arts center in a town our size. We really hope to spike interest with people through this campaign and show them that this is not just a place you can see something every now and then, but a place where you can go and really enjoy your time.”
Gressel added that being a part of such a his- toric event is an honor.
“For me, it’s certainly a really big deal. I’m a history nut and I love the whole concept of learn- ing about the past and being a part of such a res- toration is awesome, and it’s certainly a jewel for the city of Tullahoma.” -GN
