There’s something about watching a story unfold live before your very eyes. The energy of a live theatrical experience; complete with costumes, lights, scenery, and music; is nothing short of magical! The Historic Mishler Theatre, located at 1208 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona, PA, opened its doors on February 15, 1906. Even then it carried the highest distinction by being the first structure of its kind
in America to be completely devoted to theatrical pursuits, as in the early 1900’s theatres occupied the second floor of commercial buildings. Albert Westover, a prominent theatre architect of the time, designed the grand house for Isaac Charles (Doc) Mishler, and his original plans remain on file, along with other theatre archived documents and memorabilia. In the inaugural program for February 15, 1906, Mr. Mishler gave the theatre-going public the following assurances: “The Policy of the new Mishler is to present high class standard productions in perfect manner to audiences safely housed in comfort and pleasing surroundings, to offer engagements worthy of the patronage of families, the most fastidious need have no fear at any time to enjoy its offerings.”
On opening night, Mayor Simon H. Walker dedicated the theatre and paid great tribute to Isaac C. Mishler, in planning and creating such a splendid shelter for the public in its recreations and first class amusements, should be looked upon as a public benefactor who deserves and will receive the warm thanks of the people…It is impossible, even for those who are not theatergoers, to be insensible to the beauty of the edifice or the importance of it as an ornament to the city.”
October 1906 was destined to be a black month in Altoona. A ravaging fire destroyed the new five-story Rothert building, leaped to the Elks Home across the alley and, with a shift in the wind, swung across to the Mishler. It is said that the flames flashed through the stage first. Here was gathered, according to Mr. Mishler’s statement, the finest collection of scenery of any theatre in the country. The Mishler had cost between $115,000 and $118,000 to construct. It had been pronounced by the building inspectors to be one of the safest and strongest public buildings they had ever examined and, consequently, was insured for only $50,000. When learning of the fire, Doc Mishler’s philosophic view of the situation was: “Well, I can stand the loss of the theatre better than the loss of a leg. I cannot say yet what I will do. All the money I had in the world I put into that house. I do not regard it as a personal loss…It’s a city loss. If I have sufficient money, I will rebuild it at once…I have been a little embarrassed in a financial way owing to the building of the theatre, and for that reason I am not in a position to say whether I can rebuild it myself or not.”
Mr. Mishler had seen his costly and beautiful theatre ruined by fire less than nine months after its opening, yet his confidence in the patronage of Altoona’s citizens and his belief in greater Altoona’s possibilities caused him to say: I will rebuild. And rebuild he did! Working in twelve hour shifts, the builders completed the Mishler in three months, and the generosity and support of the people of Altoona did not diminish in the many years to come. Through their ownership of the Mishler Theatre, the Blair County Arts Foundation (BCAF) is preserving one of the remaining links to the area’s cultural past. This grand facility has served as the area’s performing arts center since 1906 and is currently home to Allegheny Ballet Company, Altoona Community Theatre, and the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. As a presenter of cultural programming, the BCAF offers area residents high quality and widely diverse opportunities, energizing audiences and continuing to uphold the Mishler’s rich tradition of live theatrical experiences. The Family Theatre at the Mishler series was developed by BCAF in 1986 to create more cultural opportunities for young people. With the consistently declining budget allocations for arts programs within the school district, the continuation of these valuable programs becomes an even greater priority. This annual series of professional productions attracts nearly 20,000 children, parents, and educators each season and makes a significant contribution to the early childhood educational process. The BCAF's dedicated board of directors remains committed to the expansion of their current programs and to promoting increased awareness. To date, over $4 million has been expended in refurbishing the gracious playhouse. But there is much work remaining. As grant monies and corporate and individual funds become available, the restoration continues. We look forward to a fully renovated jewel that sparkles with excitement and entertainment and serves as living proof that history does repeat itself.
