Pompton Plains, NJ

To the editor:

 Just read your generous article (“Former Callicoon Theater owners bid farewell to Sullivan”,  Democrat, Tuesday October 24, 2023) on our departure from Sullivan County. Age, health, and lack of personal infrastructure (read: no family) have conspired to do what Jim’s dad recommended as a credo: plan ahead before decisions are forced by crisis.

The copy and photo brought back many fond memories. As this old newsman and editor remarked to Barbara, Mr. Kirk’s reportage was a joy to read and, in every way, a thoroughly professional job.

We offer just one clarification: the infamous skunk episode occurred before we installed air conditioning. A huge fan behind the screen drew in cool night air off the hillside…and any other “air” that happened to be drifting by. The large audiences contributed to our decision to modernize in a number of ways; for us, improving the moviegoing experience was always paramount. “Big Screen, Clean, For Le$$ Green….And Thanks For Comin’!” were more than just words to us; that was our credo.