A History of the Cumberland County Film Society
The origins of the Cumberland County Film Society began in 2001 after an announcement of a meeting was made to invite anyone interested to come to a meeting at the Cumberland County Playhouse (CCP). Jim Crabtree, then Producing Director, graciously offered initiator Margie Buxbaum the use of their mailing list and Zerox machine, and she labeled post cards to over 3000 patrons. She figured that if 15 people came, and at least 5 were willing to join with her to form a board, perhaps a film society could be formed. Sitting next to Margie on the stage in the small theater, Jim introduced her as a new member of the community (1999) and by the end of the meeting attended by about 18 people, several stayed behind to offer their help.
Among them were Sharron Eckert, Jean Clark, Bob Hoyt (of blessed memory), and Larry Drake. Art Wojta, traveling in Europe at the time, was also part of the initial board. Bylaws were written, and the CCFS, Inc. was incorporated as a 501-C-3 non-profit educational organization.
The first movies shown were screened at CCP, and we utilized a 16 mm projector owned by the CCP, plus another we purchased with take-up reels so we could show a movie continuously without having to stop to change reels. Our projectionists had to be of a certain age, to know how to thread and run such a projector.
In addition, for five years we hosted a life-long learning class on 5 decades of classic movies in Fairfield Glade. A faithful attendee, Diane Treanor, became our long time Secretary once Jean Clark retired from that position. All this took manpower, and Bob, Larry, Art and occasionally others took turns researching and leading discussions.
Years later, when Rocky Top 10 came to town, CCFS entered into an agreement with their management which allowed the showing of our films at Rocky Top until the theater closed in the spring of 2023. At that time Cumberland County Playhouse once again graciously offered to show our films in their theater.
Our two “seasons” of five movies each are held in the fall and spring, during which we’re pleased to “show movies worth talking about”. The films are typically critically acclaimed and are selected by a jury of our members from documentaries, foreign films, and recent domestic films.
The Society is run strictly by volunteers, with some technical help for our website. We maintain a free-to-members lending library of films we have shown. Our membership drive takes place at the beginning of each calendar year. Members must sign in at the tables in the theater on our movie days.
Board members who were very instrumental and active but have since retired are: Susan McCullogh, Marian Irvin, Ben Welch, Jean Haberhern, Nancy Dralle Smith and Margie Buxbaum. Current Board members include: Cheryl LaSalle, President; Mary Riedner, Vice President; Ed Litman, Treasurer; Diane Treanor, Secretary; Saundra Snyder, Membership; Bill and Linda Macchio, Members at Large and Registration; and Nancy Hazel, Librarian. Our email address is mail@ccfsfilmbuffs.org