Revival of Gilman’s theater brings an old-fashioned feel to downtown

If you’re looking to step back in time to the 1940s or 1950s, that’s exactly the feel you’ll get when stepping into the Gilman Grand Theater on Gilman’s Main Street. The building hasn’t operated as a movie theater since the 1980s, but it’s seen a revival under the new ownership of Deanna “Dee” and Steve Bornheimer. The couple already owns Grand Central Station, just kitty-corner from the theater, which they opened four years ago.

“Two neat buildings,” said Dee. The Bornheimers bought the bar and remodeled it when they moved to Gilman, because there was no place to get something to eat. Once they filled that need, they realized there was something else lacking.

“There is nothing to do in this town,” said Dee.

Dee always admired the theater building, but the previous owner had no wish to sell.

“So, when it became available, I jumped on it – we – jumped on it,” she said.

Even though the couple has no background in running a movie theater, they’re learning as they go, while the building has undergone extensive renovations. It hasn’t been run in decades, so it was almost like a start from the groundup project. For one thing, there were no seats in the theater. That’s no longer the case, as they found new seats that were just sitting in storage at the Miner Theatre in Ladysmith, because they were the wrong fit.

They also built an attached outside ticket booth to replace the one that was torn off many years ago. A must, was a modern concession stand, with a large popcorn machine, beverage cooler, candy counter, drink fountain, and a bar top for nachos and hot dogs.

“There was never a concession stand in here,” said Dee, adding that there used to be a cupboard with candy/snacks that ran on the honor system.

A new paint job was also needed, along with new wallpaper in the lobby that was shipped from Australia, as well as a brand new stage in the theater for live events. That means the building can be rented out for community events.

“I’d like to do two live events a month,” said Dee.

Movies will be shown after the first of the year, once reliable internet comes through from Ntera. Since there are no more film reels, you never have to worry about the film breaking in the middle of a show.

“It’s all switched over,” said Steve. “It has to be approved through Hollywood.”

And they mean everything – the screen, projector, sound system, even the hours of operation – all have to be approved.

“It’s expensive, but it’s also less of a headache,” said Dee.

For now, the Bornheimers plan to have movies Fridays and Saturdays, and maybe on Sundays.

To enhance the movie experience, wine coolers and beer will be served in the main theater part, but up in the VIP lounge, adults can have mixed drinks in what used to be the cry room.

“There’s an extra charge, but you get the whole upstairs and your own bartender,” said Dee. As the couple was working on the theater over the summer, they got a lot of interest in the new venture, even from hours away, as people seem to enjoy the small town, old-fashioned movie theater feel. Even little kids riding by on their bicycles stopped to talk about what was happening and asked questions.

“That was the neatest part about doing this,” said Dee.

Deanna (left) and Steve Bornheimer spent a lot of time getting the Grand Gilman Theater up and running, putting touches here and there on every room in the building. One of the things they’re most excited about, was a jukebox rescued from the former Dot & Jerry’s Bar, which still has many classic hits to choose from. They also were happy to find an old ticket taker from the theater’s glory days and many 45 rpm records that were left behind, feeding Deanna’s love of vintage.Ginna Young/The star News