Blues Brothers Event Raises $25K For Joliet Prison Restorations
JOLIET, IL — A couple weeks ago, the Old Joliet Prison was the backdrop for a 40th anniversary showing of the iconic movie "The Blues Brothers." Joliet Area Historical Museum director Greg Peerbolte said the two-day event raised $25,000 for ongoing repairs and restoration efforts of the state prison turned tourist attraction for Joliet.
"Right around $25,000, which under the circumstances, we felt was very successful. We were at capacity both nights," Peerbolte said.
Because of the success of the outdoor showing of Blues Brothers, Peerbolte said the museum is planning to host a Halloween-themed outdoor movie, again inside the limestone walls of the Old Joliet Prison, in October.
The Old Joliet Prison opened two years before Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1860.
To adhere to Gov. JB Pritzker's strict social distancing rules implemented in Illinois because of the deadly new coronavirus, the Joliet museum capped ticket sales to 500 people for both the Friday and Saturday showings of the Blues Brothers within the sprawling prison yard.
People were assigned to a numbered circle in the grass to set up their blankets and lawn chairs.
"The feedback we got from our guests was very good," Peerbolte told Joliet Patch.
Peerbolte said that one couple had such a terrific time at the 40th anniversary "Blues Brothers" movie night that they emailed the Joliet museum a letter of appreciation.
Peerbolte provided the email to Patch.
Here it is in its entirety:
Hello,
I am writing to express my gratitude for planning and executing a wonderful night last night at the Old Joliet Prison! During a time where there is so much negativity in the world and posted to social media, please know we appreciate all you did and it did not go unnoticed. Contrary to Facebook comments, your ticket prices completely aligned with what was included for the night!
Like many, due to COVID, we have not had a night out in many months. I purchased the tickets for both myself and my husband for my husband's birthday as Blues Brothers is his favorite movie. The Joliet Historical Museum put together a perfect night while following social distancing guidelines which gave us more comfort in attending the event. Below are my many compliments to your team:
You made the purchase and check-in process seamless without any contact or waiting in lines.
We thoroughly enjoyed the freedom to tour the prison grounds, see the Blues Brothers cars and enjoy a classic movie on a beautiful night!
The food and beverage vendors were perfect to enjoy a cold beverage while offering a variety of foods.
The t-shirt designs were simple yet symbolized the classic movie for which I purchased one for my husband!
Most importantly, the cleanliness! The bathroom facilities were clean and well maintained! Thank you for that!
To end, thank you for the countless hours that went into planning this event! We thoroughly enjoyed our night while learning about the Old Joliet Prison history and enjoying one of our favorite movies!
With Much Gratitude,
Circle #170
This article originally appeared on the Joliet Patch
