Buffalo Spotlight

• Babeville: A Righteous Restoration
• Shea’s Performing Arts Center: Buffalo's Wonder Theater
• The Underground Railroad: Freedom Crossing
• East Aurora: An American Classic
• Beyond the Falls: Exploring the River Region
• Frank Lloyd Wright's Rowing Boathouse: Into the Light
• Old Fort Niagara: History, Mystery, and Beauty

Babeville: A Righteous Restoration

Buffalo’s already vibrant theater and performing arts scene received an infusion of new energy when Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records recently opened a state-of-the-art performance space in the former Asbury Delaware Church. Re-christened Babeville, this remarkable adaptive re-use of a Buffalo landmark dating from 1871, now plays host to an eclectic array of performers and styles and provides another anchor to the city’s burgeoning entertainment district. Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center shares the space and continues its tradition of presenting exhibits, film screenings and musical performances by the most adventurous and provocative artists working today.

The story of Babeville is one of patience and persistence in the face of daunting odds. More than a decade ago, Righteous Babe Records became involved in the fight to save what was then known as the Delaware Asbury Methodist Church.

Ani DiFranco and Righteous Babe Records President Scot Fisher were determined to see the historic structure saved and transformed for a dynamic new use as a way to bring fresh vitality and culture to downtown Buffalo. Ten years later, the goal of saving the building has been met. Extensive structural repairs to the interior and exterior have been completed, transforming a 19th century house of worship into a 21st century arts complex including offices, the Hallwalls gallery, and a 1200-person performing arts hall.

“The space itself has a soul – it’s vibe-y, it’s cool and it’s beautiful,” DiFranco told The Buffalo News.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center: Buffalo’s Wonder Theater

“We’ve Made This Theatre Tremendous in Size As well as Overwhelmingly Magnificent in Decoration It will hush you, awe you, stagger you –
The mightiest sight within four walls in all America Will burst upon you when you step inside our colossal new theatre!”

Micheal Shea can be forgiven for indulging in a little salesmanship when he opened Shea’s Buffalo Theater in 1926. He was, after all, an impresario -- a flamboyant theatrical promoter whose business was filling seats with paying customers. What better way to accomplish that end than a breathless description designed to arouse the curiosity of the movie-going public? A walk through Shea’s today, however, suggests that perhaps Mr. Shea wasn’t indulging in hyperbole after all. The 3200-seat theater is, in fact, awe-inspiring -- a baroque masterpiece designed by the men now regarded as the masters of movie palace architecture – C.W. and George Rapp – complete with an interior design from the studio of the legendary Louis Comfort Tiffany.

In its heyday, Shea’s played host to a lengthy list of show business legends – the Marx Brothers, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, George Burns and Gracie Allen, among others – along with a regular slate of first-run movies, highlighted by an overture played by the house orchestra, solo performances on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, newsreels and a live stage show.

After falling into disuse and disrepair amid changing tastes, Shea’s was surrendered to the City of Buffalo for back taxes in 1974. It almost certainly faced the wrecking ball had it not been for the intervention of a group of concerned citizens who called themselves “The Friends of the Buffalo.” Through the efforts of “The Friends,” the theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and restoration work begun. A successor organization, The Shea’s-O’Connell Preservation Guild, was incorporated in 1980 and continues the work of restoring and operating the born-again venue to this day.

After undergoing a $16.5 million stagehouse expansion in 1999, Shea’s can now accommodate the largest of today’s touring Broadway shows. “The Lion King,” “Rent,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” “Phantom of the Opera” and many others have all called Shea’s home in recent years. Concerts, ballet, opera, educational programs, holiday shows, organ concerts, historic theater tours, and a free family film series enliven Shea’s hundreds of nights each year.

Somewhere Michael Shea is smiling.

For more information visit www.sheas.org.

Freedom Crossing: The Underground Railroad in Buffalo Niagara

The Niagara River was often the last crossing for people escaping slavery in the United States. From the early 1800s until the end of the Civil War in 1865, thousands of people passed through western New York as they traveled to freedom in Canada. The Underground Railroad, a secret network of people who assisted those escaping slavery by providing money, food, clothing and temporary shelter, made the journey possible.

The dramatic and heart-rending stories of the people who risked their lives for freedom, as well as the lasting heritage of their ancestors, can now be experienced at Freedom Crossing, the new Regional Underground Railroad Interpretive Center, on the campus of Niagara University in nearby Lewiston. Freedom Crossing tells the story of the Underground Railroad in Buffalo Niagara through historic photographs, artifacts, stories, audio stations, and art. Brochures and maps are available to Underground Railroad sites throughout the area such as the Michigan Street Baptist Church and Murphy Orchards.

Freedom Crossing, located inside the Castellani Art Museum, is part of the New York State Heritage Trails initiative. The interpretive center is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.freedomcrossingniagara.com or call 716-286-8293.

East Aurora: An American Classic

East Aurora offers visitors a charming slice of turn-of-the-century American life, evoking an era of simple pleasures, genteel pastimes and timeless craftsmanship. Its tree-lined streets and historic Main Street were built to be seen and experienced at a leisurely pace and with a desire to linger.

East Aurora is perhaps best known as the home of the Roycroft Arts & Crafts community. Conceived of by author, lecturer, and philosopher Elbert Hubbard, the Roycroft campus was a self-sustaining community of artisans that lasted from 1895 through 1938, when it succumbed to the Great Depression.

Today, the National Historic Landmark Roycroft Inn and Campus has been revived as an internationally acclaimed attraction, visited by lovers of fine design and collectors of authentic American craftsmanship. The nearby Elbert Hubbard Museum documents Hubbard’s extraordinary life and the Schoolhouse Gallery exhibits the work of Roycroft Renaissance craftsmen. Perhaps the best way to experience the many charms of this quirky and distinctive village is to partake of one of master storyteller and author Mason Winfield’s popular ghost walks of the campus and vicinity. Be sure to also visit the National Historic Landmark Millard Fillmore House, once home to the man locals playfully refer to as “our least known Prez of all.”

East Aurora is also known as Toy Town, U.S.A., owing to the long-time presence of toy maker Fisher-Price. The community’s toy-oriented heritage is celebrated at the Toy Town Museum which houses a vast collection of toys as well as at the annual Toy Fest, a two-day celebration of toys, games, and child-oriented activities held every August. Explore & More…a children’s museum is another attraction that families with children will enjoy.

The heart of the community is its historic downtown shopping district, anchored by Vidler’s Five & Dime, which opened 70 years ago and is still owned and operated by the Vidler family. Sundries of every description can be found in its overstuffed aisles and the penny candy counter still holds fascination for children of all ages. Recent additions to Main Street such as antique stores, art galleries and coffee shops have only served to enhance the street’s appeal while helping to maintain the historic character and locally-owned ethic that has prevailed since the days of the village’s founding.

Beyond the Falls: Exploring the River Region

You’re a bit awestruck and maybe even a little wet.  You’ve spent the morning at Niagara Falls State Park and grabbed a bite to eat at the Top of the Falls restaurant.  What to do now?  Let’s see what lies at the other end of Niagara’s rainbow. 

Hop in your car and head north on the Robert Moses Parkway towards Youngstown.  First stop is the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center.  Here you’ll learn about the natural and local history of the Niagara Region.  The kids are sure to enjoy the interactive displays and the virtual reality Gorge Elevator Experience.  Nearby, you’ll find the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Building – the primary access point to the Niagara Gorge Trails.  Choose a guided hike that fits your schedule and level of fitness.

Heading north on the Parkway, stop at Whirlpool State Park or Devil’s Hole State Park.  Both offer wonderful views of the Gorge and scenic stairways to the river below. 

The next stop on your itinerary should be the Niagara Power Vista.  This kid-friendly visitors center offers more than 50 interactive exhibits and displays related to the history of hydroelectric power.  Best of all, admission is free.

Back in your car, stop in lovely Lewiston, home to Artpark, New York’s only State Park devoted to the arts.  If your timing is right, you can catch a concert or play.  And don’t miss the view of the Gorge from high on the amphitheater hill.

While in Lewiston, take a ride on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour from the Riverside Inn at 115 South Water Street.  This hour-long trip into the heart of the Gorge is an exhilarating, heart-palpitating whitewater adventure.

Finally, end your river route at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown.  For more than 300 years this site at the mouth of the Niagara River was fought over and occupied at various times by French, British and American troops.  Today, it is a wonderfully restored historic site that hosts reenactments such as a French and Indian War Encampment that bring the Fort’s storied past to life.

Into the Light: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse

In 1910, at the age of 43, Frank Lloyd Wright traveled to Europe to present what would become his most beloved collection of structure illustrations: the Wasmuth Portfolio. One of these famous drawings was something Wright called “Boathouse for the University of Wisconsin Boat Club.” Twenty years later, the architect included this same boathouse in an international exhibition of eight of his greatest works. The boathouse idea was obviously a favorite of Wright’s, featuring a classic technique akin to other Buffalo treasures like the Martin House and the late, lamented Larkin Building – large vertical piers supporting horizontal planes. Sadly, it was never constructed. It remained one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most significant projects that had never come to fruition – until now!

Formed in 2000, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation acquired the rights to this classic Wright design and raised the $5.4 million needed to realize its construction. The Boathouse is being operated both as an architectural tourist site and as a working boathouse by the West Side Rowing Club, one of the largest rowing clubs in the United States.

Building a previously un-built work by an American master presented special challenges to the project’s champions, given the fact that the architect was no longer here to provide guidance and direction. The project proceeded in strict adherence to Wright’s vision and original drawings. Construction of the boathouse had to be faithful to Wright’s design especially to the details and choices of materials he provided. The first floor needed to be used exactly as Wright intended as the working spaces of a rowing boathouse. The second floor features a club room, locker rooms and east and west facing balconies, with diamond-paned art glass windows, all exactly as Wright designed them.

“After 100 years as a set of drawings gathering dust on a shelf, it is about time this famous Wrightian boathouse will finally come out of the ground and into the light,” said John C. Courtin, a founding director of FLW’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation. “Where better for it to stand than in Buffalo, at water’s edge, beside the venerable West Side Rowing Club, and near other important contemporaneous Wrightian works such as the Darwin D. Martin House and the W.E. Heath House. All these innovative designs, including his rowing boathouse, came off Wright’s drafting table during one intense period of creativity.”

Construction of the Boathouse was completed in September 2007. The Boathouse is now open for tours. For more information, visit www.wrightsboathouse.org or call 716-362-3140.

Old Fort Niagara: History, Mystery and Beauty

Standing on a bluff above Lake Ontario not far from Niagara Falls, Old Fort Niagara has dominated the entrance to the Niagara River since 1726. Its breathtaking location, imposing architecture and colorful past make it a must see attraction for visitors to the Niagara River region.

The history of Old Fort Niagara spans more than 300 years. During the colonial wars in North America a fort at the mouth of the Niagara River was vital, as it controlled access to the Great Lakes and the westward route to the heartland of the continent.

The three flags flown daily above the parade ground symbolize the nations that have held Fort Niagara. Each competed for the support of a fourth nation: the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. The French established the first post here, Fort Conti, in 1679. Its successor, Fort Denonville (1687-88) was equally short lived. In 1726 France finally erected a permanent fortification with the construction of the impressive "French Castle." Britain gained control of Fort Niagara in 1759, during the French & Indian War, after a nineteen-day siege. The British held the post throughout the American Revolution but were forced, by treaty, to yield it to the United States in 1796. Fort Niagara was recaptured by the British in 1813. It was ceded to the United States a second time in 1815 at the end of the War of 1812. This was Fort Niagara's last armed conflict, and it thereafter served as a peaceful border post.

Today, Old Fort Niagara is a National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site that welcomes more than 100,000 visitors every year. It offers a unique collection of original military architecture and fortifications from the 18th Century and the 19th Century, as well as living history events and programs, historical exhibits and collections, archaeology, and education.

The fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Buffalo Niagara area, featuring the oldest buildings in the Great Lakes, spectacular scenery, and exciting special events such as the annual French and Indian War Encampment held every July.

A new visitor center brings the Old Fort Niagara experience to life with an orientation theater video presentation, museum-quality historical exhibits, and a climate-controlled enclosure that houses the War of 1812 Fort Niagara Flag that has been meticulously conserved and returned to its original home.

For more information, visit www.oldfortniagara.org or call 716-745-7611.