This morning I told myself that no matter what I was going to get my oil changed. I had been telling myself to make sure to get it done for the past two weeks. But there was always something that got in the way. And, by the time I remembered I wanted to get it done, I would realize that I didn’t have my spare key or the shop was closed. So, I would say “tomorrow, I will definitely drop my car off at Snow Tire and walk the few blocks to work and pick the car up at lunch.”
Well, this morning, I made sure I had my spare key and (here lately I have been going in to work earlier than normal – getting in at 7:30-7:45 rather than my usual right at 8 am). So, as I came upon the intersection that signaled the end of my neighborhood and the beginning of downtown Athens, I was a little worried that the traffic lights were out. It seemed weird but I treated it like a 4 way stop sign and pulled up to the next block. I saw HUGE plumes of smoke shooting straight up in the distance to the left (which was the direction I was heading in).
I pulled into the lot and was trying to figure out where the smoke was coming from as I noticed that there were no lights on at Snow Tire. But, I could see people inside so I figured it was open and it only looked like the lights were off because it was so bright outside. Once inside, I realized there really was no power in the building and approached the desk a little unsure of myself.
I saw the guy who I always see when I have to drop my car off for an oil change or a tire repair or rotation. He told me that their power was off because the Georgia Theatre was on fire and all I could stupidly say was “So that’s where all the smoke is coming from”. We chatted for a minute. I assured him that I was in no hurry as I was going to leave the car and walk the rest of the way to work and it would be several hours before I could pick it up again.
I walked out of the building through the lot and the smell of smoke was so strong that I couldn’t breath for a second. As I made my way closer I realized that “Oh My GOD the Georgia Theatre is on FIRE!” For a second I stopped and watched the smoke billow. Then I remembered that I actually had my camera with me. So, hating to be that person, I snapped the picture. As I moved closer I snapped a couple more. The one you see in this post is the best one I could get while trying to avoid traffic, onlookers and police officers setting up to direct traffic.
The Georgia Theatre is an Athens landmark. Sure, it smelled like urine and old cigarette smoke. Yes, it definitely had seen its share of douche bag hipsters. But, it was also the place that so many musicians played, that so many local acts cut their teeth on performing, that so many people saw The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the first time, that so many AthFest weekends had been spent, and that so many people still hoped for the chance to play.
And there it was, burning. Its final performance. And what a performance. There is talk of rebuilding. The bands of tonight’s scheduled line up are already talking benefit concerts. The community is trying to figure out what to do about it and with out it. But, The Georgia Theatre as it was, is gone. How fitting that it should go out with so much vibrancy and bravery.
So, goodbye to you. I saw my first show in Athens, almost 12 years ago now, on your stage. I held my now husband’s hand for the first time just outside your doors. I walked past you so many times thinking “what the hell is that smell?” and knowing at the same time exactly what it was. I hate that you are gone, but if you had to leave at least it wasn’t with a locked door and a boarded up window. At least it was, literally, in a blaze of glory.
