Effective Communication - Susan Hileman
Susan Hileman is a keynote speaker, trainer and coach that strives to empower your TEAM with the belief that we are all responsible for pouring value into other people's lives. That we can make a difference in this world if we are simply intentional in our efforts. That we can empower others and help them reach their potential and they will learn..."I believe in YOU."
The Lyric Theatre
Given one of many names over the years, the Lyric Theater has a history dating back to 1906 where many different attractions and contests were reported to take place. According to the Oil Region Library Association, the sort included "champion club jugglers, moving pictures, a man “who played 10 novel music instruments” and Baby Thelma, “the youngest child in Vaudeville who sings, tells stories and does a wonderful whistling speciality.” 1906 - Orpheum Theater1917 - The Princess TheaterAfter being renamed to The Cameo Theater, it was damaged by fire and owners Herman and Julius Stahl commissioned Holmes Crosby to rebuild1927 - The Lyric reopenedVaudeville house until 1937Operated as a movie house until closing 1953Holmes Crosby redesigned the building into 2 storefronts in 1955 (Abe Lang Women’s Wear and Ray L Way Men’s Wear) 2001 Community Playhouse, Inc. purchased the building and began demolition of the storerooms to expose original theater2006 Colonel Drake Cultural Alliance, Inc. entered into an agreement with CPI to assume management and development of the theater.The Lyric Theater was the last of the smaller movie houses in Oil City to close. It shut down in 1953 and was converted to retail shops two years later. Meanwhile, the city boasted of its two major theaters – the Colonel Drake Theater and the Latonia Theater, for several more years.
100 Seneca at Cornplanter Square
The Oil City National Bank, also known as 100 Seneca at Cornplanter Square, sits on the corner of Center and Seneca Streets in Oil City’s historic Northside Business District. Nestled against the backdrop of the beautiful Allegheny River region, its neighbors emulate Romanesque, Colonial Revival, and Italianate architecture, creating a stunning picture. The downtown has 16 restaurants, cafes and taverns, 22 shops and galleries, and 28 personal and professional services that serve the community and provide entertainment for the region’s tourism. 100 Seneca at Cornplanter Square’s iconic appearance, central location and recent renovations make it a prime business opportunity in the city.For more information, visit www.100seneca.com.
The Downs Building
Currently in the third phase of renovation, the Down building is a 1894 community landmark that was built after the Great Fire and Flood of 1892 that destroyed much of the North Side downtown district. Local architect Joseph P. Brenot designed the chateauesque style building for Patrick Downs. Downs was the proprietor of a saloon on the first floor of the building and he and his family lived in the upper floors. Later, two Greek brothers bought the Downs Building and ran an ice cream and candy shop. Triangle Shoes, Radio Shack and a T-shirt printing business were among the enterprises that followed the ice cream shop over the years. Doctors’ offices and attorneys’ offices were also housed in the building at various times. Sources gather from The Derrick and others.
Oil City Hotel
The commercialized hotel that was built in (c) 1966 on the riverfront property on this site was once named after a famous hotel, The Arlington, that was built in 1873. The old hotel sat in the current location of the Town Square park across from the 100 Seneca building and was attached to the Downs building. It was demolished in 1965 as part of the city's Plaza Project, a redevelopment effort that transformed parts of Elm and Seneca streets. This hotel was recently purchased by the city and is slated for demolition pending the securement of funding to facilitate its redevelopment.
Oil City Library Hall
The Carnegie Library opened to the public in 1904. One very unique draw at the library was the theater space, one that could accommodate 400 seats, that took over the entire second floor. It featured a hand carved four-foot high, 50-by-50-foot stage with dressing rooms on each side. Doors leading to them were curved wood. Six large leaded glass windows were installed on the sides of the hall and the two-story vaulted ceiling featured several rows of lights. Used as a venue for a wide array of events, the theater was unexpectedly closed in the spring of 1955 by Oil City Council. At issue was money and council members said their library renovation budget was pegged at $30,000. It would be better spent to enhance the library’s first floor, insisted council. The city offered four options as to the second floor’s future: spend all the library money to renovate and repair the second floor; convert the second floor to private offices and rent them out; tear off the second floor and make the library a one-story building; or, raze the entire building and start over. The chosen option was to renovate the downstairs and switch the second floor to storage space only with a small area set aside for historical collections and research. Although it has been "empty and forelorn" since the mid-1950s, there is a campaign to renovate the space known as Raising the Curtain on Act II. Read more on the library's website.
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce builds, serves and promotes regional business.The membership of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce represents the entire community with members from business and industry, private associations, civic organizations, home based businesses, social service agencies, education, government, and individuals. Over 450 member firms, representing over 2,000 individuals, believe Chamber membership is one of the best ways to help develop jobs in our community and grow their businesses!The Chamber strives to keep programs current and responsive to the demands of Venango’s current business climate, acting as a bridge that links businesses, organizations and residents together with innovative programs that strengthen Venango County’s long-term economic vitality, business success, job creation and quality of life. We provide several ways for our members to enhance their credibility, gain recognition, have a voice in issues affecting business, improve their bottom lines, get involved through networking events and volunteering, and so much moreIn Venango County, we’ve found that, in business development as in business itself, collaboration and teamwork pays off.For more information, visit www.venangochamber.org.
