Whittier : Salvageable Artifacts From Old Theater Listed
A representative for Doerkin Properties on Tuesday released a list of sought-after items from the old Whittier Theatre, which is scheduled to be demolished within the next few weeks. The developer compiled the list to abide by rules that govern demolition of a designated historic landmark.
The contractor must preserve the specified objects for interested parties before general demolition can proceed and charge only the cost of removal.
The closed 61-year-old theater was damaged in the Whittier earthquake in October, 1987.
Several years of vandalism and vacancy, and partial demolition, have left the theater mostly a gutted shell. Nonetheless, a handful of local preservationists picked through the darkness and debris Friday in search of potentially salvageable artifacts.
Their wish list includes the wrought-iron railings from the theater tower, the Whittier Theatre sign, stage lights, wood archway doors and twisted plaster columns from the proscenium.
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