Barnesville State Theater Reopens with Lady and the Tramp
The Barnesville State Theater and Ohio Goes to the Movies presented Disney’s Lady and the Tramp on May 23, 2026. Before viewing the film, moviegoers selected their favorite concessions and viewed the restoration progress of the building. The Barnesville Hutton Memorial Library offered coloring and crafts for the children.
The event was the first movie shown at the venue since the Barnesville State Theater closed in 1969.
The theater was built by Joseph Modie and opened in 1925. According to The Story of Barnesville by Dr. D.O. Sheppard, after fifteen years, Mr. Modie sold the business to his son, Edward, who followed as operator.
Betty K. Hunkler Modie and her son, James, attended the reopening. When asked what she thought, Ms. Modie responded, “I’m excited about it. This is wonderful.”
Her father-in-law, Dr. Paul G. Modie, Sr., opened his practice in Barnesville in 1932. Joseph was his father and Edward, his brother.
As part of theater company president Roger Johnson’s opening remarks, he asked the audience how many had attended the Barnesville State Theater when it was owned by Mr. Modie. About twelve people raised their hands. Many of them shared fond memories as they waited for the movie to start.
Best friends, Becky Wehr and Anita Rogers, recalled attending the Saturday matinees for 10 cents. Remembering the ornery boys who sat in the balcony and threw candy and gum down on the audience, they chose seats under the balcony. Mr. Modie would come down the aisle with flashlight in hand ordering the girls to stop giggling while boys would not be caught.
Evelyn Cook remembered going to Bohandy’s Restaurant before the movies to get warm peanuts to eat during the show. Judy Hannahs went to Bohandy’s as well, but for a chocolate almond bar that cost 10 cents.
Donna Moore, whose family lived on Flat Rock, shared that they would come to town for her mom and dad to shop. She and her five siblings would go to the movies to watch westerns. Moore also shared that she watched Love Me Tender from the balcony where she and her friend screamed and swooned over Elvis Pressley.
Alice Hunkler, a Barnesville State Theater committee member, stated, “It is fun to restore an old building and make it useful to the community.”
Community member Mary Jane Wood expressed, “I am excited for the community, especially for the people who attended the theater in its glory days and the next generation creating future memories.” Jo Ann Murphy added, “What a jewel this theater will be to Barnesville.”
Since the summer of 2022, Barnesville State Theater Company volunteers have worked to bring the building back to life. Fifteen 40-yard dumpsters of debris were removed. The collapsed stage was rebuilt, lighting and sound systems added. Bathroom renovations are underway.
Moviegoers donated $5,615 at the event to support the restoration efforts as a lot of work remains.
In addition to thanking volunteers, Roger Johnson thanked the dedicated board members. He recognized the contributions from EQT Foundation, Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley, South Central Power Foundation and Mike Shuster, a Barnesville 1974 graduate, and his coworker, Maddie Williams, at MSA Design.
The Lady and the Tramp event was part of Ohio Goes to the Movies, a series of movies celebrating America 250. Screenings in each of Ohio’s 88 counties will take place through October 2026, showcasing Ohioan actors, directors, writers, composers, locations and topics. Visit the Ohio Goes to the Movies website for a complete list of events and venues and additional information about the series.
The next event at the Barnesville State Theater is “The Sunday Stage,” featuring the local band Flushed on Sunday, June 21. The The doors open at 4:30 p.m., followed by the performance from 5-7 p.m. Food will be available by donation.
Visit the Barnesville State Theater Company website or Facebook page to donate, volunteer and learn about future events.
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