Goodwill Theatre History
The Goodwill Theatre (36 Willow Street) was built in 1920 in Georgian Revival style with funds provided by George F. Johnson for the enjoyment of Endicott-Johnson employees and village residents. In its early years, the venue was largely used for Endicott-Johnson employee minstrel shows, boxing matches, traveling shows, and concerts. It was leased in 1928 and operated as a movie-house for thirty years, then closed in 1960. It re-opened for short periods during the 1960s. In 1978, plans for a conversion of the building into a dinner theater were abandoned mid-construction and the facility languished for another 22 years.
Recognized as a pivotal resource of the Susquehanna Heritage Area System, the Goodwill Theatre proves to be emblematic of the paternalistic position taken by industry at the turn of the century, a trend that is clearly articulated through the George F. Johnson story. More specifically, the building stands as a monument to Johnson’s policies of “Industrial Democracy”, and their far-reaching effects that resonated outward to impact on the economic development of the Susquehanna Valley, patterns of immigration and migration, and the daily life of the local community. Underlying Johnson’s commitment to the notion of “fair play” and his belief “that you grant your worker a mind and a heart” was an attempt to break down the insurmountable barriers between capital and labor. The establishment of shops, moderately priced company-built housing, restaurants, and year-round markets, and the provision of community facilities and amenities like the Goodwill Theatre, the Municipal Building, and the E-J medical building were just part of Johnson’s attempt to create a sense of identity while fostering the promise of prosperity. The provision of a recreational facility was simply one element within Johnson’s larger scheme. The Goodwill Theatre, essentially still intact, proves to be one of the finer examples. The structure, designed by Binghamton architect Sanford Lacey, is a characteristic interpretation of the Neo-classical style.
The Municipal Building (48 Willow Street), built in 1899 by Sullivan and Badgley, was designed for the Johnson City Mayor’s Office, fire trucks, an elaborately paneled Court Room, and a police and firemen fitness center with a basketball court on the top floor. The building offers approximately 25,000 square feet of usable space, including some unusually large volume interior spans that make it ideal for reuse as rehearsal space and an alternative theater performance venue, as well as support space for the performing arts complex and professional training academy.
The Clinic (former EJ Medical Building, 67 Broad Street) was built in the 1800s, is the oldest of GWT’s properties. It was purchased by Endicott Johnson in 1918 and served as part of EJ Medical Services for EJ workers and immediate family members. At one time, the facility housed Endicott-Johnson’s maternity ward. As part of EJ’s “cradle-to-grave” policy, each baby born to an EJ worker received a silver spoon and a $10 certificate to begin a savings account. Purchased by GWT in 2005, the building is listed as a significant structure in the Susquehanna Heritage Area, and is currently the home of the Goodwill Theatre staff offices.
Goodwill Theatre Inc. was established in 2001 with a mission to create and operate a dynamic regional performing Arts and Conference center with a professional training academy that will enrich the lives of our residents and visitors through education, events and performances. In October of 2007, GWT opened the Firehouse Stage as the first performance venue of the complex. In March of 2008, the Firehouse Stage became the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage. Currently, the venue hosts over 65 events, including cabaret, classics, theater for young audiences, classical piano, jazz, puppets, as well as private rentals, each year.
The Goodwill Theater Complex and Professional Training Academy will house at least three year-round performance venues including the 850-seat historic proscenium theater in the Goodwill Theatre and two theaters in the Firehouse property. The Goodwill Theater Complex and Conference Center will act as a catalyst for revitalizing Johnson City’s downtown by building confidence and trust in potential investments in downtown development. As proven by other historic theater renovations, the renovation of the Goodwill Theatre Complex will spur private sector investments in downtown restaurants, shops, and office space. Additionally, the project will help attract and retain a skilled and educated workforce and attract approximately 100,000 into the center of Broome County. It is estimated that those 100,000 people will spend roughly $1.5 million annually. Therefore, the worth of this important project cannot be disputed.
Goodwill Theatre Inc. needs your E-J stories!
The Goodwill Theatre desires to identify and preserve historical records pertaining to the history of the Endicott Johnson Corporation, the Goodwill Theatre (36 Willow), the Municipal Building (48 Willow), and the Clinic (67 Broad). Such historical records include photographs, articles, memorabilia, and stories about the company.
Got a story about the Goodwill Theatre or the Firehouse building that you would like to share? We would love to use your information!
Completed forms can be returned to: GWT Administrative Offices, 67 Broad Street, Suite 210, Johnson City, NY 13790 OR fax it to 607.729.0785 OR email it to info@goodwilltheatre.net.
Support Goodwill Theatre, Inc.
There’s nothing quite like a live performance. The excitement in the air as a musician tunes their instrument, the applause as a comedian walks onstage, live performances have something to offer that just can’t be replicated in a live stream or a video. Performing arts organizations across the globe are finding new ways to engage and entertain their audiences, and Goodwill Theatre is no exception. But rest assured, we are still just as committed to bringing back the live performance experience that we all know and love. You can support the Goodwill Theatre in many ways...with a donation, by supporting events, by volunteering, with sponsorship or an advertisement, by attending a fundraising event & so much more!