EDITORIAL: The Civic Auditorium deserved better

It’s no secret that the city of Wallace holds its history in the highest regard. The community’s commitment to preserving its past while fighting to keep things nearly unchanged from 50 years ago is nothing short of admirable. 

But that same commitment, when taken too far, can have unintended consequences. 

The Wallace School District has now submitted an application to demolish the old Civic Auditorium, a landmark gymnasium that has hosted countless cherished moments over the decades. 

The Civic Auditorium’s historical significance is indisputable. Built in 1946 as a memorial to local World War II veterans, it served as Wallace High School’s gymnasium long before the academic wings were added. It even played a role in the filming of Dante’s Peak. 

This decision will undoubtedly stir strong emotions among those who made memories within its historic walls. 

But let’s be clear, any frustration should not be directed at the current school board or Superintendent Todd Howard. For the past two years, they’ve worked tirelessly to explore every possible alternative to demolition. 

When the district chose to build a new school in the early 2000s, they had originally opted not to retain any part of the old structure, not the Civic Auditorium, nor the east academic wing. However, in 2003, the former administration made a regrettable decision when they leased the auditorium to a group of well-known patrons under the condition that they would maintain it. 

They did not keep their end of the deal. 

While their intentions may have aligned with Wallace’s preservationist spirit, they ultimately failed to uphold their responsibility, leaving the community with a deteriorating building and forcing today’s leaders into an impossible position. 

What remains is a serious health and safety hazard, plagued by black mold, severe water damage, and decades of neglect. 

The building should’ve had a proper send-off in 2002. Where the people who loved and cherished the building could’ve celebrated and mourned the memories of their time in the Civic Auditorium together. Now, the building sits as a toxic boondoggle that is remembered by some, but largely unappreciated by those who weren’t around to see it when it mattered.

This isn’t just about history, it’s about accountability. And the Civic Auditorium deserved better.