Turners Falls, MA, US / MA
Today, many outstanding examples of the late 19th century architecture survive in the Turners Falls Historic District which is listed on the National Historic Register of Places. The Town of Montague has also made a concerted effort to preserve the village’s architectural heritage as part of its on-going revitalization effort. Prime examples of this preservation focus include the adaptive reuse of the Colle Opera House building and restoration of the Cutlery Block and the Crocker Building, the last of which was nearly destroyed by fire in 1997. These recent projects build upon earlier successful restoration efforts including the Shea Theater and Discovery Center buildings. These efforts, combined with nearly forty years of stagnation, have preserved Turners Falls and contribute to the cohesive character and architectural integrity of this late nineteenth century New England industrial village. The Shea Theater is a small, community theater which builds upon the tradition of the earlier Colle Opera House and former Shea. Owned by the Town of Montague and operated by a private-non profit group, the Shea provides a venue for year-round theater, featuring Shakespearian and modern plays, Broadway musicals, and musical performances by a variety of popular and traditional groups. Performances at the Shea Theater, which occur on most weekends, feature both local performing artists, from the Franklin County area, as well as regional and national talent. Those visitors to Turners Falls who are interested in learning more about the village’s history are encouraged to take the Historic Walking Tour (see attached link). Today, the village of Turners Falls is much more than just a collection of beautiful buildings. It is a vibrant place, where there is much to see and much to do. In fact, the Boston Globe travel piece recently described Turners Falls as “historic, but not traditional; (where) fossils and a funky art scene share the spotlight in the tiny village of Turners Falls.” Turners Falls has always been considered attractive to artists, and eccentric types, even before it emerged from its decades-long period of decline and decay (1950-1980). The villages’ industrial character, architectural integrity and its setting along one of the most scenic stretches of the Connecticut River have combined to create a visual quality that is appealing to artists (photographers, sculptors, and painters) who have in many cases relocated to the area from Boston and New York City. Hallmark Institute of Photography currently operates the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Downtown Turners Falls at the former Colle Opera House Building. A tri-annual extravaganza – Arts + Bloom, Arts + Leaves, and Arts + Icicles features tours of artist’s studios, museums and local eateries. Once described as a beautiful place with great potential, a “diamond in the rough”, and because of the apparent lack of activity on main street, a “Hollywood set between takes”, Turners Falls has been transformed into a popular destination for people seeking fun and entertainment, culture and recreation. With the advent of the RiverCulture Program (see link) in 2005, Turners Falls now offers a full calendar of activities and events for people of all ages and interests. Some of the regularly scheduled events include the Crab Apple Festival – a month-long festival that takes place in May celebrating Turners Falls in the Spring; the Turners Falls Block Party and Fashion Show a downtown street festival featuring live music, art booths, food and a fashion show from local designers, that is always the 2nd Saturday in August; and Suzie’s Third Street Laundry’s Lost + Found Fashion Show – a happening in December, the Laundromat on Third Street is transformed into a catwalk featuring clothing designed from items left behind in the laundry machines over the past year plus live music, art show and drinks to mention but a few of the many events organized and promoted.
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