Richard H Allen Memorial was built in 1910. Designed by the prominent East Coast architects Ludlow and Peabody, this beautiful building has been central to the the former Sheldon Jackson School and community for over 100 years and is rich with memories. In the 1990s it was closed because of structural failure. On the eve of its demolition, it was saved by a group of dedicated citizens. Money was raised and critical repairs commenced. However, before the repairs could be completed, funds ran out and construction halted. For over a decade the building sat locked and unfinished.

In 2011, work began again as part of the SJ campus revitalization. Inspired by the spirit of volunteerism driving the restoration of the historic campus, Carol made the first of several large donations in her husband's memory to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, dedicated to the restoration of this campus centerpiece.

You may have seen Odess Theater Memorial during one of the many productions that have gone up on campus in recent memory. Perhaps you have stopped by campus just to see the progress that has been made since restoration began in 2011. Now, as the process nears completion, carpenters install the final Sitka Spruce stage pieces, complete the reworking of the stairwells, and continue working on the exterior and a few other areas of the hall. To say that the progress is astounding is much less meaningful than for one to actually see the results of the masterful effort in person. So, we hope you will join us Sunday, June 7th, 2015, from 1-3PM, for the Odess Theater Open House & Dedication.

This event is the culmination of thousands of hours of volunteer initiative, of thousands of hours carpentry and reconstruction. None of this would have been possible without the work and monetary contributions of volunteers and donors like Carol Odess.

Carol originally came to Sitka on a fishing trip with her husband, Jack Odess, in 2004, It was the last trip they would make together. Carol developed a great fondness for the area and has returned regularly after a second visit in 2006.

Several of Carol's close friends, new and old from the lower 48, will be attending the open house and dedication. Carol is excited to bring them, albeit temporarily, into the sense of profound community she has found in Sitka.

Asked about what she has found so special about the community of Sitka, Carol states two reasons: "Baranof Island was the last trip my husband and I took together. And Sitkans opened their arms and hearts to me. So I feel at home here. They made me part of the community, and that's why I love it so."

Please join us in dedicating this special space to the memory of Jack Odess, thanking Carol for her generosity, and taking in the beauty of a theater restored.