The Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket, NH was built in 1934. Glenn Miller performed there on December 12, 1939; admission was 50 cents. For the past two and a half years, the ballroom has been under threat of closure unless they installed an expensive sprinkler system. The GMO has performed there twice to help raise funds. On September 7, Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom President Patti Blanchette (pictured) took the stage to announce “Tonight we’re here to tell you that we’ve made it! We’ve reached our goal and completed our fundraising for the sprinkler. Thank you! Please join us on the dance floor.”
Also from the article: “Band Director Nick Hilscher then fired up the audience and celebrated the occasion by playing Glenn Miller’s famous ‘In the Mood.’ The crowd was on its feet and filled the dance floor… A special thank you went to Julia Rich…who has supported the Friends’ group since its beginning. Rich was responsible for bringing the Glenn Miller Orchestra to the Rockingham Ballroom to kick off the fundraising campaign, and for the band’s return to bring the sprinkler fund over the top. She then delighted the group by announcing that she would be singing with the band during its return performance.”
Owners Alan and Diane Roma are planning special events for the ballroom’s 80th anniversary in 2014.
