The Murphy Theater has graced downtown Wilmington, Ohio since July 1918, just a few months before World War I ended. It was opened by a fellow named Charles Murphy who envisioned a grand theater for his hometown.
In 1929, Chakares Theaters of Springfield came knocking and leased the theater for many years. They installed modern equipment to accommodate modern movies – at that time called “talkies” and they remodeled. It did well during the Chakares years but began to struggle when the multiplexes became popular
By the eighties, Mr Murphy’s heirs wanted to sell the theater and a non-profit organization was born to save the theater and give it new life.
Today the theater hosts local productions, touring performers, meeting and weddings. According to their website, it sounds like a work in progress as they are wrapping up a new pub and concessions area.
The front of the theater with its box office, tile work and marquee is magnificent. It’s a real show stopper and, once this darn pandemic is over, I look forward to seeing a show there. This has been a tough year for many and I’m trying to use my resources smartly to support those small businesses and organizations that badly need us.
It was locked up right the day I was there but someday I will go back and stay at the historic General Denver Hotel down the street and see a show! Click here to read another story about Downtown Wilmington.
If you ever drive down Main Street through downtown Wilmington, you would be hard pressed to miss the Heritage Harvesters mural. It’s 63’x50′ and is a tribute to local farmers. Painted by artist Jason Morgan who also created the 
It’s jaw dropping, partly for its sheer size and partly for the realism of the people. It looks like the Grapes of Wrath come to life.
Downtown Wilmington is known for its murals. This Community Garden piece was painted by Jason Morgan to celebrate the area’s love of gardening and farming.
In fact the entire scene seems realistic, as though the people could say howdy and offer you a tomato.
Find this mural on Locust Street in the city’s historic downtown.
Wilmington, Ohio is home to a fantastic store that’s located in an old flour mill. It’s called Sugartree Mill Company and here you’ll find a nice assortment of antiques, reproductions and all the little things you need to make your house feel like a home.
I was enamored with this handmade carousel horse and a vintage typewriter. They have a handful of things that aren’t for sale including the witness stand from the Municipal Courtroom in the old Wilmington City Hall.
The area pictured above made me want to sit a spell with a book and a cat.
Buckley Brothers, Inc. started in 1904 as a partnership between two brothers. They operated a wheat buying station in Kingman, Ohio but later moved into Wilmington where they expanded over a period of decades.
There’s a delightful nook between buildings on Main Street in downtown Wilmington. It’s just a few doors down from the historic Murphy Theater and is easy to miss from a car. This picture shows the view looking out on the busy street.
Perhaps another day.