| In 1994, then-Country
Treasurer Jane Hoerster approached Spider Johnson, a local artist,
and urged that he mount an effort to keep the local Odeon Theater
open for business since she had learned it was about to discontinue
showing movies. He organized a group of Mason citizens who formed
the Odeon
Preservation Association (OPA),
a private non-profit 501(c)-3 corporation, who arranged purchase
of the theater from then-owner Terry Hooten who was planning
to open another business at the location.
The OPA Board of Directors has continued its Mission
to provide entertainment at the Odeon through the performing
arts, to bring cultural enrichment to Mason and surrounding communities
and to maintain a suitable facility for such purpose. Current
releases of movies are shown every week as they have been since
the Odeon first opened in 1928. Additionally, live musical performances
grace the stage on a regular basis. We are currently engaged
in a fund-raising campaign to complete the facility and prepare
it as an unparalleled venue for any and all performing arts while
we continue its tradition of showing movies.
Spider Johnson is
the current president of the OPA Board of Directors and can be
contacted here.
Donations and other correspondence can be sent to:
Odeon Preservation Association
PO Box 700
Mason, TX 76856
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