originally posted on June 29, 2022
On June 28, 2022 (Valeska’s birthday!), we had Valeska Suratt day at Terre Haute, Indiana! This event was in the planning stages for some time and it was great to finally have a day of recognition for Valeska! The event would be held at the Indiana Theatre as well as the Swope Art museum. But before that, I stopped by the Highland Lawn cemetery to see the grave marker that was installed earlier this year. Thanks to all who had helped with the fundraiser. The marker looks amazing! See below:
Side note, I have a great-great-grandmother buried in the same cemetery, so I was able to visit her burial spot as well. After leaving the cemetery, my wife and I headed to the Indiana Theatre in downtown Terre Haute. This movie palace opened in 1921 and is quite amazing! The theatre is currently undergoing renovations, so only the front rotunda was open, but wow, what a sight! See pics below:
Absolutely amazing theatre! I hope to revisit the movie palace once it’s re-opened for the public. At 3pm, Dot Lewis had an introduction speech and Terre Haute Mayor, Duke Bennett, gave the proclamation stating that it was Valeska Suratt day! I have scanned the proclamation and provided it below.
After the mayor’s remarks, we headed over next door to the Swope Art museum for my presentation. I would like to thank Emily Bennet and Fred Nation for allowing me the opportunity to use their space at the museum for the exhibit. I had spread across two tables my Valeska memorabilia, which included original promo photos, a lobby card, movie stills, a glass lantern slide and a few reproduction photos. Here is the display set up:
For about ten minutes, I spoke about her films, how they were lost, what my website’s goal is, etc… Afterwards, I took a few questions and the program ended. Overall, a very enjoyable event and it went very well! Thanks to all who attended and to all those who helped made this event possible.
Write up about the event from the local newspaper: https://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/did-you-know-it-was-valeska-suratt-day/article_2834ce9b-aa52-5ab9-bf5e-56c54a43e2bc.html
-bP
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