After opening its doors on December 20, 1928, the Midland Theatre served the community of Newark, Ohio, for 50 years primarily as a movie theater, until it closed in 1978. In need of repairs, it was purchased by Dave Longaberger and The Longaberger Company in 1992, and after an 8-year, $8.5 million renovation, the Midland opened again in 2000. Longaberger entrusted the property to The Newark Midland Theatre Association. Today, along with the many national acts hosted at the Midland, it plays home to the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra.