Main Street Ripley, Inc.

The Alpine Theatre was the social hub of Ripley from 1936 to 1984.  When it closed a little piece of everyone in Ripley was shutdown also.  

The Alpine Theatre held many "firsts" for Ripley such as first dates, first kisses, first "R" Rated movies for some and first and only theatre for the area.

In the mid 1970's the theatre caretaker, Goldie Crum, was known to call parents of moviegoers to get permission whether a young lady or gent could see a movie or not.  Goldie was a tiny but mighty figure in the ticket window.  Her box she propped her feet on and old change machine are still in the ticket booth.  

From 1984 until 2003, the Alpine fell in terrible disrepair and became an eysore and embarrassment for Ripley.  Something had to be done about it.  The generous gift of an anonymous donor enabled Main Street Ripley to purchase the property and the rest is history.

History, stories and memories are so important to preserve today.  No one really talks to one another now, they are too busy texting, tweeting, poking or IM'ing.  We have to preserve the stories and memories that the Alpine Theatre invokes and make more stories and memories for the future.  Everyone in Ripley has a story about the Alpine and what it means to them.  There is something really special about getting dressed up and going downtown to The Alpine Theatre to a live show, play, special movie or event.  The gleam in that little kid's eye when he or she sees Santa for the first time on that stage is irreplaceable.  The joy brought to an older woman when she thinks she sees Elvis makes her think of a really special time and place in her life is moving.  The pride in a parent's or spouse's heart when their loved one is performing on stage is overwhelming.  The opportunities The Alpine Theatre provides for local artists to shine are unforgettable.  The chance to see a National Act without travelling 65 miles one way when gasoline is over $4 a gallon is once in a lifetime.  Recent studies have shown that music calms the soul in these troubled financial times.  

The Alpine Theatre brings people downtown to meet and to see what else Ripley has to offer such as restaurants, shops and businesses.  It also gives Ripleyians a sense of pride of "once was" and "what will continue to be."   For some, pride is all they have left in this world.    

This is why The Alpine Theatre matters to Ripley.

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