Our Roots are Reaching OUT…. Can You Feel It?

Compliance with ADA guidelines will allow the Dreamland Ballroom to “earn its keep” through rentals and events. This will permit the Friends of Dreamland to use the capital from fundraising for different types of projects. Namely, further historic restoration (which we touched on last week) as well as community services and/or programing that is rooted in the history of this iconic space.

If You Build It…They Will Come

The ballroom is a majestic music hall--full of historic character. Getting people into Dreamland has always been the best way to raise money for the rehabilitation effort. The elevator addition will open the space to people that may not have been able to previously access it and to those who may not have had a reason to come visit.

A Space Big Enough for All

Dreamland is a very large, open space. It can be divided or setup in a multitude of ways. Our board and members do not all have the appropriate perspectives, expertise, and time to facilitate everything that needs to be done in Dreamland. Partnerships, input from businesses, other organizations, and individuals within our community will be key to actualizing the full potential of projects that need to take place in and around Dreamland.

Come See Where You Fit In

Later in the year, FOD will organize an open house to view the ongoing construction. We encourage as many people as possible to attend this event and keep up with us on social media or via these routine campaign/blog posts. We need board members and volunteers as much as monetary donations. We value our Friends time and talents as much as we appreciate their treasure.

We want YOU…  We really do!

The Friends of Dreamland have been acting as the resident community for the Dreamland Ballroom for over 10 years now. While dedicated and passionate, FOD is a small organization that has consisted of many of the same individuals for a long time. We are eager to grow--not only in number, but in diversity and impact. 

Keep Dreaming, Matthew McCoy

Look Around! We’re Going Up!

In the past, when members of FOD talked about the work we do, the elevator always dominated the conversation…and rightfully so. (Check out last week’s campaign to glimpse what an ordeal the ADA process has been for the Dreamland Ballroom and the importance of attaining that compliance to the future of this historic jewel.) Today I want to relay what else has been done through this dedicated nonprofit effort to get us to this point.

Beginning with the Basics

When Kerry McCoy purchased the building in the 1990, Taborian Hall was roofless and, essentially, floorless. The first thing that had to be done was to enclose and support the historic brick structure. Kerry received historic tax credits to renovate the façade and began the building’s interior renovation, working up floor by floor. The initial work on the Ballroom began by securing the floors, balconies, and box seats. In 2012, bathrooms were added--not ADA compliant, but better than nothing! Folding tables and chairs, pews, other furnishings, and decorative pieces were purchased or donated over the years. Considering the barriers to hosting any event in Dreamland, (and that Dancing into Dreamland is the MAIN fundraiser of FOD) it is a real testament to the dedication and thriftiness of the group that any improvements were made at all.

A Quantum Leap

Jump forward in time a bit and here we are in 2021, anticipating an ADA compliant ballroom by 2022. Some of the biggest items on our ‘wish list’ are finally coming to fruition, allowing our attention to focus on Dreamland’s historic preservation and facilitate a dynamic performance space. We are looking forward to restoring the tin tiles in the ceiling and under the balconies, adding back some the lost historic character in the stage and proscenium, and procuring historic light fixtures, none of which remain today. We anticipate adding new drapery, décor in the mezzanines, and a fresh coat of paint here and there or bit of plaster that will help clean up the look of the old room while maintaining the distressed appearance we all love. This space was born to be a music hall, so there are modern amenities the ballroom requires to keep up with that part of its heritage. Appropriate stage and house lighting, sounds systems, and curtains all are needed to promote a wide array of performance styles.

Rise with US

Giving to the Friends of Dreamland ensures that we can continue to check items off that ‘wish list.’ (If you have EVER been involved in a construction project, you will understand the next statement.) Although it is doubtful that we’ll ever truly complete it, we can continue to pursue the constant improvement of this historic treasure to guarantee that it will serve our community consistent with its incredible legacy.

Keep Dreaming,

Matthew McCoy

May:  The Season of Growth

In 2009, Kerry McCoy began seriously contemplating the renovation process for the Dreamland Ballroom. Since purchasing the Taborian Hall in 1992, she had been working her way up--restoring the building floor by floor for her company Flagandbanner.com. When it was time to begin restoration of the third floor, several roadblocks appeared to hinder its rehabilitation.

Growing Pains

Gradually restoring the lower floors, when it was possible and affordable, was a formidable undertaking, but proved not to be overwhelming to Kerry. So, although the ballroom needed a LOT of repairs and updates, the most daunting obstacle by far was the inherent unprofitability of a very large, old, empty, upper story room with no elevator or running water. The ballroom was not particularly useful to her flag and banner company, either. So, the expense of installing an elevator to allow access to the third floor was difficult to justify through Flagandbanner.com and impossible to finance through a personal or business loan.

Helping Hands

Ultimately, the renovation expenses became the inspiration for founding the non-profit, Friends of Dreamland. Locals who loved music history, the performing arts, or grew up with or around people that knew Dreamland in its heyday, or who knew Kerry banded together to form the nonprofit. These amazingly dedicated people would fundraise for the next ten years…never getting very close to the million dollars needed for the updates necessary for the elevator addition.

I should mention, the cost of the elevator was so high because Dreamland Ballroom occupies the entire square footage of the third floor. Putting an elevator inside the existing historic structure would sacrifice space in the ballroom proper, and that never quite sat right with anyone working on this project. So, it was decided the best course of construction would be an addition to the building to house the elevator.

Harvest Time

When we were awarded a grant from the National Parks Service, the elevator became a reality! Such a large grant awarded to such a small nonprofit was only possible because of the dedicated Friends of Dreamland. All those years of fundraising at a snail’s-pace, demonstrated commitment to our mission and purpose, showing the NPS that we mean what we say. It gave us credibility.

Thank you to everyone who made this Dream a reality.

Keep Dreaming, Matthew McCoy.