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HISTORY OF THE GOODWILL THEATRE
The theater was built in 1920 with funds provided by George F.
Johnson for the enjoyment of Endicott-Johnson employees and
village residents. In its early years, it was largely used for E-J
employee minstrel shows, boxing matches, traveling shows and
concerts. It was leased in 1928 and operated as a movie-house for
thirty years closing in 1960. It re-opened for short periods during the
1960's. In 1978, plans for a conversion of the building into a dinner
theater were abandoned mid-construction and the space languished
for another 22 years.
Recognized as a pivotal resource of the Susquehanna Heritage Area
System, the Goodwill Theatre proves to be emblematic of the
paternalistic position taken by industry at the turn of the century- a
trend which is clearly articulated through the George F. Johnson
story. More specifically, the building stands as a monument to
Johnson's policies of "Industrial Democracy", and their far-reaching
effects which resonated outward to impact on the economic
development of the Susquehanna Valley, patterns of immigrations
and migration, and the daily life of the local community. Underlying
Johnson's commitment to the notion of "Fair play" and his belief- ". . .
that you grant your worker a mind and a heart “ - was an attempt to
break down the insurmountable barriers between capital and labor.
The establishment of shops, moderately priced company built
housing, restaurants and year-round markets, and the provision of
community facilities and amenities, like the Goodwill Theatre, the
Municipal building and the E-J medical building were just part of
Johnson's attempt to create a sense identity while fostering the
promise of prosperity.
The provision of a recreational facility was simply one element within
Johnson's larger scheme. The Goodwill Theatre essentially still intact,
proves to be one of the finer examples. The structure, designed by
Binghamton architect Sanford Lacey, is a characteristic interpretation
of the Neo-classical style.
The Goodwill Theatre project will also bring the former Village
Municipal building and the former EJ Medical building back to life
housing a multidisciplinary Arts Conservatory and 3 performance
spaces, lobbies, rehearsal halls and classrooms. Goodwill Theatre
Inc. will present and create Theatre for Young Audiences, new work,
dance, music, visual and media arts as well as serve as rental space
for local cultural organizations. The multidisciplinary Arts
Conservatory will also be housed in these historical buildings and the
connecting new structure.
The theater was built in 1920 with funds provided by George F.
Johnson for the enjoyment of Endicott-Johnson employees and
village residents. In its early years, it was largely used for E-J
employee minstrel shows, boxing matches, traveling shows and
concerts. It was leased in 1928 and operated as a movie-house for
thirty years closing in 1960. It re-opened for short periods during the
1960's. In 1978, plans for a conversion of the building into a dinner
theater were abandoned mid-construction and the space languished
for another 22 years.
Recognized as a pivotal resource of the Susquehanna Heritage Area
System, the Goodwill Theatre proves to be emblematic of the
paternalistic position taken by industry at the turn of the century- a
trend which is clearly articulated through the George F. Johnson
story. More specifically, the building stands as a monument to
Johnson's policies of "Industrial Democracy", and their far-reaching
effects which resonated outward to impact on the economic
development of the Susquehanna Valley, patterns of immigrations
and migration, and the daily life of the local community. Underlying
Johnson's commitment to the notion of "Fair play" and his belief- ". . .
that you grant your worker a mind and a heart “ - was an attempt to
break down the insurmountable barriers between capital and labor.
The establishment of shops, moderately priced company built
housing, restaurants and year-round markets, and the provision of
community facilities and amenities, like the Goodwill Theatre, the
Municipal building and the E-J medical building were just part of
Johnson's attempt to create a sense identity while fostering the
promise of prosperity.
The provision of a recreational facility was simply one element within
Johnson's larger scheme. The Goodwill Theatre essentially still intact,
proves to be one of the finer examples. The structure, designed by
Binghamton architect Sanford Lacey, is a characteristic interpretation
of the Neo-classical style.
The Goodwill Theatre project will also bring the former Village
Municipal building and the former EJ Medical building back to life
housing a multidisciplinary Arts Conservatory and 3 performance
spaces, lobbies, rehearsal halls and classrooms. Goodwill Theatre
Inc. will present and create Theatre for Young Audiences, new work,
dance, music, visual and media arts as well as serve as rental space
for local cultural organizations. The multidisciplinary Arts
Conservatory will also be housed in these historical buildings and the
connecting new structure.
Goodwill Theatre History
Johnson City Fire Station prior to becoming
the Municipal Building, circa 1890s. note the
unpaved streets, horse carriage and the full
cupola on the building.
This picture was found in a local garage sale
and donated to the Goodwill Theatre Project.
the Municipal Building, circa 1890s. note the
unpaved streets, horse carriage and the full
cupola on the building.
This picture was found in a local garage sale
and donated to the Goodwill Theatre Project.
Former Johnson City Municipal Building prior
to Firehouse Stage contruction and Schorr
Family dedication. Spring 2007.
to Firehouse Stage contruction and Schorr
Family dedication. Spring 2007.
| BRING US YOUR PHOTOS OR DOCUMENTS! If you have historic material you would like to donate, sell or loan to the Goodwill Theatre Project, please bring it to our offices at 67 Broad Street in Johnson City, NY or call us at 607-772-2404 to let us know. If you bring an image or document in we can scan it and upload it to our web site and mention your contribution and how and where the material was found or acquired. |