The Town Theatre began its storied life in 1911 when it was remodeled from the Shute Bank and opened as The Grand theatre, a 150 seat theatre boasting the first motion pictures in the area.  In 1916, the owner, Orange Phelps, remodeled the building, adding 350 new seats and renaming it the Liberty.  In 1925, Mr. Phelps undertook a major remodel, renovating the theatre in the then-popular Italianate style and christening it the Venetian.  The theatre boasted an elegant entrance with a beautiful chandelier in the vestibule and murals resembling the view from an Italian villa in the auditorium. Mr. Phelps brought “talkies” to Hillsboro in the theatre in 1929.

The Venetian operated successfully until 1956, when a fire burned through the auditorium, destroying it but leaving the vestibule intact.  Mr. Phelps took the opportunity to modernize it, adding the recessed entryway, a mezzanine, and the marquee seen in the photo at right.  Once again, the theatre was renamed, becoming the Town Theatre.

Today, the theatre has undergone another complete transformation.  The theatre, vacant and deteriorating since 1996 when the City of Hillsboro purchased it, was sold (along with the adjoining “Music Village” Building) to Scheller Properties.  Renovation began in August, 2007, with plans to open in June, 2008.

The theatre has returned to its glory days It has been re-named the Venetian and decorated in a modern yet classic European style. The building now opens into the adjacent space next door and a bistro and wine and coffee bar have been opened in that space and the second floor above.  The restaurant offers European foods, a menu devised by managing parter Saxony Peterson, a wine and cheese bar and a pair of roll-up glass walls facing Main Street to create an open-air dining experience.  In addition, the building features a wrought-iron balcony extending about 4 feet over the Main Street sidewalk.  The theatre itself has been extensively remodeled and is a gracious, comfortable space in which to appreciate the entertainment experience. 

The Venetian playbill will include at least three live shows each year and screenings of major sporting events as well as second-run movies.

Citizens can keep track of upcoming offerings by consulting an electronic reader board which also displays the time and current temperature. For entertainment schedules and menu choices, visit the venue's website, www.venetiantheatre.com.