1976 ATLANTA LANDMARKS: THE FIRST YEAR / 1977 NOW OR NEVER PITCH

In 1976, following the first full (and slightly profitable) year of operation of the Fox, Atlanta Landmarks was faced with daunting task of raising $2 million plus, so to repay the consortium of Atlanta banks which had lent them the money to purchase the building and save it from the wrecking ball.  Landmarks faced a two-year deadline, and if they defaulted on any given interest payment, the building was lost.

This 17-page pitch made by Landmarks to Boisfeuillet (BOO-FILET) Jones, then of the Whitehead Foundation, provides a fascinating and unretouched snapshot of the Fox and the struggle to save it.  Jones was best known as the money-giver for Mr. Woodruff of Coca-Cola fame, "Mr. Anonymous."

As set forth in this proposal, Landmarks wanted not more than three base donors to provide half the required money, and within a year, they had succeeded as shown in this printed proposal of 1977 "Now or Never", which follows the Jones letter.

Over the years, many people have taken credit for saving the Fox.  This paragraph in the Jones letter sets the record straight:

The Jones letter also includes the complete listing of the first year attractions and gives credit to the IATSE stagehands who gave their all to help save the Fox.

Here then, is the Jones letter and the 1977 published pitch.

October 21, 2016