Recently in the paper there was an update by the Seal Beach Planning Commission on preserving the Bay Theatre that begged for my attention. I hope everyone who has ever been to that theater appreciates what this icon is really about; for preserving it is something we truly need to think about.
A letter from a resident in the same paper stated how much she loved the organ that is long since gone. I recall that organ, for it was in the late ’80s when I first heard its bold and beautiful sound. No, I didn’t think it was the “Phantom of the Opera” style like some say. I felt it brought some much needed sound instead of commercials that you always see in theaters that boggle your mind into mush. All people really want before the show is to see some previews of films but before that there needs to be entertainment—an organ does just that.
The theatre back then had a musty scent that wasn’t pleasant, but what could one do when it wasn’t updated at the time? I am talking about the late ’80s. I heard from some who thought the organ was as a nuisance, but they truly didn’t get what it was all about.
Today there is so much technology in music that it drowns out what basic instruments have always done—entertain us and immerse us into emotions that makes us think of a peaceful life, not a chaotic one. Instruments also cured the boredom of waiting for the show back then. That began in vaudeville, moved to live theater productions, and was always included in movie theaters because people expected it. Any music teacher would appreciate the simplicity in a single instrument and use it rather than a radio, CD, or IPOD because it’s pure and natural and they want to expose students to that type of atmosphere.
What we have to remember in Seal Beach is that it definitely is a “Mayberry by the Sea.” That definition is what separates us from many sea towns. We like history and there is nothing wrong with that. We have a few eateries, some bars and some distinctive shops that shape us into who we are. You can spend time in our town and feel the presence of home. You are casually walking down that sidewalk and going in and out of the very places that love you, no matter who you are. It may be a simple hello you get from the vendor, or a smile—but you know you are in a good place when you get that giddy feeling in your heart. Back in the old days there wasn’t choices of going to other cities like there is today.
People wanted to stay in town and by gosh, they did and did it proudly in this lovely town. Bringing back the Bay Theatre would get that “feeling” back and remind us that history has not left us.
My take on the restoration of the Bay Theatre is a dream. A dream that it would be restored so that children as well as adults of the future could see what life was about, rather than just read about it in books. I would also like to see an organ replace the one that is gone now. Perhaps a wealthy donation would suffice in this situation? I told my husband that if I ever came into money like that I would donate one. I commend the Seal Beach Planning Commission for looking into the preservation and how California can help us implant it as a landmark and I look forward to reading and hearing more about this from our fair city.
This isn’t about tourism, but about preserving what we have. Just like the Red Car, we have to love the past and bring it to the forefront for all residents and visitors alike. We don’t have seals in Seal Beach, we lost the amusement park built back in 1920, so preserving what we have like the Bay Theatre is something of definite importance. I hope to get involved in this process by going to future city meetings if I hear that this subject is on the agenda. Who will join me in that thought?
Enea Ostrich is a longtime resident of College Park East, Seal Beach.
