(The pictures left to right are, Becca Wheeler infront of her exhibit, The full house at the Grand before the program, Maggie and some friends having a good time, our rembrance panel with left to right; Steve Swanson John Mark Schad, Phyliss Finger, Herb Fick, and Brynhild Rowberg)

Last Thursday (4/6/06) the Northfield Historical Society presented the History of the Grand/Ware Auditorium. The program kicked off with Becca Wheeler, NHS intern and St. Olaf student, giving a very well prepared history of the Grand. She documented how A.K. Ware founded the Ware Auditorium in 1899 and its first set back four months later with a fire. She went up to the present, detailing the Grand long and rich history. Becca closed by saying,

“For this reason I would like to agree with AK Ware’s statement that, Surely a resident of Northfield has much to be thankful for and little to growl about.” The Grand has stood the test of time, several fires, a flu epidemic, and several management changes. These feats have made it apparent that the Grand is here to stay. I hope that by examining the past of the Grand, we can further our appreciation for this magnificent building.”

The program continued with a video documentary produced my Megan Vig and Lauran Allinson, two talented Carleton video students. The documentary chronicled the history of the Grand along with the history of film in the United States. The video showcased local historians; Maggie Lee, Elvin Hieberg, Duane Olson, and Leo Broderick, with their memories of the Grand. The program rolled on with a panel discussion of remembrances of the Grand, given by Steve Swanson, Herb Fick, Phyliss Finger, Brynhild Rowberg and John Mark Schad. Two of the most intriguing memories were that of a cat carrying a rat down one of the aisles and of ushers having to use tennis rackets to scare bats off. The program concluded with a report on what the Grand is doing now and what it will continue to do in the future by Chuck Pyor, who is the owner of the Grand.

In all, the event was a success; we set a record for attendance with 72 people. We would like to thank everyone that came out and supported the historical society and showed their interest in learning a little bit more about a Northfield landmark. We would also like to once again thank Chuck and Bonnie from the Grand for donating the space and their time with out them the night would not have been so GRAND!