(NECN) – An 85-year-old theatre in Norwood, Mass. has been brought back to life.

For the past few years, the seats inside the theatre have been empty, but on Friday, they were filled for a gala event.

Sue Lewis bought the vacant theatre back in 2010 and invested millions to refurbish the building back to the way it looked when it first opened back in 1927.

“I can tell already the excitement is unbelievable,” said Lewis. “We’re hoping to attract local communities here, you know, and bring people into the town, that’s our goal.”

Among the guests attending the celebrations was the daughter of the architect who originally designed the theatre.

Between the first and second features I headed to the snack bar for a candy bar of some description. As I made my purchase the radio was on and a man was talking on it rather quickly. On returning to my seat, while the “News of the World”, cartoon or the previews were playing I leaned over and asked, “Mom where is Pearl Harbor?” She said, “let’s go!” as we headed out the door and across the street to tell my father what we now knew….We were going to war!

Now at age 77, I still remember that moment burned into memory. In my mind’s eye I can still see the darkened theater, bright screen, and the look on my mother’s face as I told her that we had been attacked by Japan, December 7, 1941. Submitted by Leonard Mintz.

My husband Jack also remembers that when Joe Costello was an usher, everyone remained quiet and orderly, no popcorn or candy was thrown at those shows! Joe was a Norwood High School Football player, he was pretty big and tough.

So many fantastic memories of the 50′s and 60′s came from within the walls of that Theatre! To see it lite up again, and ready for more great memory making, is heart warming!

Thank you, thank you and thank you Susan Lewis, to you and your children, for investing a part of your family in Norwood! Submitted by Jean Ferarra Taylor.

A renowned language and music scholar, he was self-taught, curious about all aspects of life, and never stopped learning. I still visualize Uncle Jack socializing with patrons of the Norwood Theatre and adding a new word to the notebook kept in his pocket, eager to reference the dictionary or ask your opinion on the subject.

Dressed in his red jacket, black bow tie and black striped trousers, this short in stature greeter stood head and shoulders above the tallest of men. Whether sharing a chuckle with moviegoers or accepting a movie ticket from their hand in the Norwood Theatre lobby, these strangers became his friends and soon after Uncle Jack was as big a draw as the film they came to see. This camaraderie with Jack Bitar ensued and snowballed into an on-demand day of love and appreciation in 1980 coordinated by his church, the town of Norwood, and the movie public who celebrated knowing “Mr. Bitar” with open arms.

Needless to say, he was overwhelmingly humbled by that event and their accolades were met by Jack’s “My mother thanks you, My father thanks you, and I thank you.” He brought the house down! Uncle Jack’s extraordinary innate feeling for people remands his legacy 30 years after his death. He possessed no wealth, had less in tangible possessions, and lived simply but fully. Never accepting praise for being Jack Bitar, he would direct favorable comments to the Lord for His blessing or family, faith and “coming to Norwood” as an immigrant.

“God is Love” he would say, and Uncle Jack was created in that image.

The writer worked at the Norwood Theatre (1960-1962 during high school) selling tickets, candy, and ushering with a flashlight ordering kids to keep their feet off the back of the chairs (that was the fun part).

Submitted by Regina Jennings Noonan.