On February 2 Lincoln Theater will celebrate a remarkable milestone: 150 years since the community was first welcomed into what was then known as Lincoln Hall.

That original dedication took place on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 1876, and was nothing short of spectacular. The celebration opened with a concert by Portland’s Chandler’s Military Band and culminated in a grand march at 9:30 p.m., followed by a fancy dress ball. Tickets for the gala sold for $5 per couple, a considerable sum at a time where a song sheet cost just 30 cents, coffee sold for 25 cents a pound, and a decent hotel room could be had for $1–$2 a night. Despite the steep price, attendance was high. People traveled from near and far and guest houses throughout the area were booked solid. Writing in 1963, the late local historian Harold Castner described the event as “probably the most elaborate and ultra-social event ever held in the Twin Villages.” He went on to note that from that moment forward, Lincoln Hall “became the entertainment center of a vast area, due to the fact that there was nothing like it east of Portland.”

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we invite you to an evening that honors both Lincoln Theater’s storied past and brings our community together, just as Lincoln Theater has done for 150 years. The celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with the dedication of the newly renovated lobby to former executive director Andrew Fenniman in honor of his vision and the leadership that helped revitalize Lincoln Theater for generations to come. From 6:15 to 7 p.m., guests will be invited to enjoy prosecco and birthday cake in honor of the occasion, and at 7 p.m. current Executive Director Christina Belknap will share highlights from Lincoln Theater’s rich history, followed by a special screening of “City Lights” widely regarded as Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece and one of the greatest silent films of all time.

“I’ve had such a great time looking back through all of the history we can find,” said Belknap. “Patrons have sent in memories and thoughts on what they love about the theater, we’ve discovered old araticles in the Lincoln County News, at Skidompha Library, at Lincoln Academy, and from both the Newcastle Historical Society and the Damariscotta Historical Society. It has become a community wide effort to celebrate this incredible theater, and I can’t wait to share this information with everyone on the 26th.”

We look forward to celebrating the legacy, the people, and the enduring magic of Lincoln Theater with you. Due to anticipated high attendance for this event, reservations are highly recommended and can be made online at www.LincolnTheater.org.

Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater St. in Damariscotta. More information is available online or by contacting the theater’s administrative office at info@lincolntheater.org or 563-3424.