Deertrees Theatre

& Cultural Center

Deertrees Road

Harrison

207-583-6747

History & Archives

"Please never forget that this theater is a community treasure.  There are not

many towns that can boast of a stage that has a roster of celebrities such

as Deertrees amassed during her glory years, and we should not let the

theatre pass into history.  So, support her.  Help her.  Embrace her, not as

just a building but as a beloved member of your family, for after all,

she is part of your rich heritage. "

 David Freeman, July 1994, on the occasion of the 10th

anniversary of the incorporation of the Deertrees Theatre Foundation

Synopsis

Since 1936 the famous and the unknowns, Broadway stars and local

would-be actors, world-acclaimed musicians and aspiring students have

graced the Deertrees stage.

In the 1930's the noted opera coach, Enrica Clay Dillon, would bring her

students to Harrison for the summer.  When their theatrical productions

grew too large for her front porch she built Deertrees Theater.

Bela Blau advertised "A New Broadway Play, A New Broadway Star"

each week and in 1939 and '40 Deertrees earned its reputation as "Maine's

Most Enchanting Theatre".

Long before she achieved fame as the author of 82 Charring Cross Road,

Helen Hanff spent the summer of 1940 working in the box office at

Deertrees Theatre.

Between 1946 and the mid 1980's the fortunes of Deertrees rose

and fell with the time.  There would be seasons of stars and years

that the theatre remained dark and deserted.

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