The Liberty Theater in downtown Murphysboro opened it's doors nearly a hundred years ago. Now the theater is in need of much needed repairs and renovations.

But, back in 1998 the theater closed it's doors after an 85-year run.

Then city leaders decided to donate the theater to the theater board and now it's alive and growing again.

" It's been a lot of entertainment over the years for a lot of people. And so we hope to keep it," said Lois Murphy.

The roof is in bad need of repairs, along with the heating and air-conditioning system needs to be replaced.

To help raise the much need funds for all the work, the theater board hosted a fried chicken dinner fundraiser.

The Murphysboro Knights of Columbus Council #988did all the cooking and fixings for the meal, with all the proceeds going to The Historic Liberty Theater Fund.

"We can make a difference," said Bob Chambers of Vergennes. "We can all make a difference to keep our community connected from the past to the future, this theater is that. We can continue to share the experience with this generation and the next generation."

That is exactly what the theater board is trying to do, to keep the theater at the center of the community for family entertainment for many years to come.

"We do old movies here which the older people like. We do movies for the kids. We do concerts, weddings, birthday parties, seminars and whatever you can think of. So long as it is family oriented," said Murphy.

Go here to read the rest:

Saving the Liberty Theater in Murphysboro