COLUMBUS, Ind. — Jessica Schnepp is a woman of letters — specifically C-R-U-M-P.
As the volunteer lead project coordinator of the historic Crump Theatre at 425 Third St. in downtown Columbus, she recently had new transformers installed by the local Signs By Ron to power the neon on the name on the facility’s famous vertical sign next to its marquee.
Call it a kind of shining hope for a restoration project that has gained new momentum under Schnepp’s leadership since September 2019.
The transformers replace the old, broken ones advertising “the little lady,” as she affectionately calls the place. So now the sign will begin glowing from 8 to 10 p.m. each Friday and Saturday, spelling more progress and hope for the 131-year-old art deco movie house and performance center. Schnepp pointed out that the upgrade, which could seem insignificant to many, is anything but that.
“That whole sign and marquee is iconic to Columbus,” said Schnepp, who saw her first movie “The Dark Crystal” there as an excited 5-year-old nearly 40 years ago. “It has so much nostalgia and triggers so many memories for people whenever they say it (the sign and marquee) lit up and see it functioning.
For the complete story, see Friday’s Republic.
