Jessica Schnepp is a woman of letters — specifically C-R-U-M-P.
As the volunteer lead project coordinator of the historic Crump Theatre at 425 Third St. in downtown Columbus, she recently had new transformers installed by the local Signs By Ron to power the neon on the name on the facility’s famous vertical sign next to its marquee.
Call it a kind of shining hope for a restoration project that has gained new momentum under Schnepp’s leadership since September 2019.
The transformers replace the old, broken ones advertising “the little lady,” as she affectionately calls the place. So now the sign will begin glowing from 8 to 10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday, spelling more progress and hope for the 131-year-old art deco movie house and performance center. Schnepp pointed out that the upgrade, which could seem insignificant to many, is anything but that.
“That whole sign and marquee is iconic to Columbus,” said Schnepp, who saw her first movie “The Dark Crystal” there as an excited 5-year-old nearly 40 years ago. “It has so much nostalgia and triggers so many memories for people whenever they see it (the sign and marquee) lit up and see it functioning.
“So for me, it’s a critical piece of this project ever moving forward. Honestly, it’s the most valuable marketing tool that we could possibly have for The Crump project — not only for the memories, but it inspires people to think of possibilities.”
The cost is still being determined because the local business has donated much of its time last week and Monday for the transformer installation. That is just one of many businesses lately donating materials, time, expertise, you name it, Schnepp said.
Koorsen Fire & Security in Columbus recently replaced all the building’s empty fire extinguishers with new ones at no cost. CMR Electric Inc. of Columbus recently repaired the emergency lighting and exit signs at no cost.
These are people Schnepp refers to online as “Crump heroes.”
The structure made Indiana Landmarks 10 Most Endangered buildings list in 2019. It has been closed by the Columbus fire marshal since 2014, except for a few select events to highlight fundraising or future support of plans to save it.
Other plans in its restoration were taking shape yesterday afternoon as well. Leaders were organizing a publicity photo shoot with both antique and current cars, including two of Columbus native Tony Stewart’s sprint cars, to highlight a fundraiser Oct. 30 for both the Crump and the Tony Stewart Foundation.
The idea is to keep reminding people about the event, cancelled twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, until tickets go on sale in the summer.
“That’s what we’re hoping to do, anyway,” said Erica Raisor, foundation director.
Photos from the shoot done by Noelle Ledebuhr also are projected to grace a Crump calendar to be sold beginning in the fall.
Adding to the Crump progress is a recent structural assessment from Fisher’s Arsee Engineers Inc. that has given Schnepp reason for optimism. Her background includes work on construction projects years ago in locales such as Lafayette. She will release more details on that later.
“It’s all about baby steps,” she said.
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To learn more about the Crump Theatre and efforts to save it, visit the Facebook pages for:
- Save the Crump Theatre
- The Crump Theatre
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