Did You Know?: Elmwood Might Have Been A Firehouse

Posted July 20, 2023

The “Church” part of Elmwood was almost a Firehouse.

In 1959 when St. Paul’s Lutheran Church was moving to Central Nyack, Jackson Fire Engine (across the street from Elmwood Playhouse) wanted to buy the church building for their own firehouse.

One member offered to loan Jackson Engine the whole $5,000, but after a disagreement somewhere with someone, he quickly withdrew his offer – the building became available, and our lucky predecessors bought it for $8,000.

Have a Question About Elmwood History? Just Ask Mike!

If you want to know anything about Elmwood’s history, just ask me! I will be sharing more fascinating historical nuggets, statistics and anecdotes each month.

Mike Gnazzo

Along with being Elmwood's Lighting Designer (for over 100 Elmwood main stage shows and counting) and Theater Manager, Mike is also our enthusiastic historian. Mike enjoys sharing fascinating historical nuggets, statistics, and anecdotes about Elmwood Playhouse.