Volunteers more than ‘O-Kay’

It sat vacant much longer than it was used.

But in 2004 a group of volunteers and supporters teamed up to begin the task of turning Rockdale’s Kay Theatre into a showpiece.

They were honored Sunday with a ceremony and plaque unveilings that turned back the clock 70 years.

After the speeches, and a few tears, the film “Rolling Home” as shown in the restored venue. That was the first movie shown at the Kay in 1947.

LEANNA—Toby Johnson and Roger Apple-gate, paid tributes to the late Leanna Harris Apple-gate, then unveiled a plaque commemorating her extensive volunteer work in getting the restoration project rolling.

Mrs. Applegate, wife of Roger, died in 2016.

Johnson noted that Mrs. Applegate, a lifelong supporter of the arts, used her connections to help book films for showing.

She noted even before the interior was finished the Kay volunteers showed movies on an outdoor screen one summer and that Houston playwright Fernando Dovalina and actress Dolly Fischer, premiered a reading of a Dovalina play in the Kay’s lobby.

20 CENTS—Geri Burnett of the Milam County Historical Society, traced the Kay’s history, noting it was run by the Foy Arrington family.

“You could see a movie and get something at the concession stand for 20 cents,” Burnett said.

She noted families sometimes used the Kay as a “baby sitter” and that children often sat through more than one performance of movie.

“Many remember walking to the Kay, seeing a movie and walking home,” she said.

The Kay was in operation from 1947 to 1962.

“It closed, as did many theaters, because it couldn’t compete with television,” Burnett said.

The building then sat vacant for 42 years and was used only for storage.

REBIRTH—The Leon and Billie Noack Family purchased the building and donated it to the Kay Theatre Foundation which began its restoration in the early 2000s.

Alan Noack narrated a power-point presentation Sunday which showed the old Quonset Hut’s transformation into the showpiece it has become.

“It was pretty rough,” Noack said.

Volunteers worked as funds became available. Noack noted a major project was leveling the Kay’s floor, which sloped down about four feet from back to the screen.

Since its restoration the Kay has been used in a variety of ways, hosting movies, live plays, weddings, receptions, musical concerts and even town hall meetings.

SUPPORTERS—The Noack Family unveiled a permanent plaque honoring supporters through the effort’s early years.

Bob Burnett, Kay Foundation volunteer, read the names listed on the the plaque as follows:

Dineh Company, Les and Sue Davenport, Larry Miller, John Warren, Pauline Mehaffey, Jo Pruett, David Betchan.

Triple B Group, Bassler Energy, Austyn Barcak, J. Franklin, Gary and Annette Griesbach, G.H. Lantz. David Svrcek, Oak Enterprises.

Bob and Geri Burnett, Jo Bird, Dan Zephia, Rockdale Signs, James and JoAnn Bradford, Leon Noack, Duane Gerthe, E.G. Rogers, Judy Slusher.

Richey Carey, Leanna and Roger Applegate, William Hanks, Joy and Billy Graham, The Rockdale Reporter.

Kathryn Moore, Cynthia Jensen, Willard Ferguson, Robert Hanks, Alan Noack, Jackie Pistner, Billie Noack Carroll and Sandy Glaser, John and Jeanie Weed, Comfort AC, Mona Butala and Carl Hughes.

Sue Taylor, Peggy and Collier Perry, Sam Peebles, Charlie Barmore, Corie Guthrie, Thomas and Pat Guthrie, Texas Historical Commission, Perry and Perry.

Music was provided by the Communities in Concert Band and refreshments followed the program.