The C.L. Hoover Opera House has been listed on the website bestthingsks.com as the number one historic theater in Kansas.
A news release was received from the Opera House on this topic expressing appreciative of their sponsors, patrons, volunteers and staff who have made this possible, “Although the actual 120th anniversary ( of the Opera House ) does not occur until September of this year, we can’t help getting excited about what’s happening at the Opera House.”
In preparation for that celebration officials have been working to put the Opera House in good shape. That includes installing new carpet in the lobbies, new ceramic and vinyl tile throughout the building, new furniture in the lobby and art displays on both floors.
If you have a story about the Opera House or the old Colonial theater officials at the Opera House would like to hear your story. Was your first date there? Your first kiss? Did you collect bottle caps to see the movies for free? You can email them your information, or write it down and bring it in or talk to Joe and Sheila Markley.
The sconces from the old Colonial Theater have been refurbished by Board Member John York. Director Joe Markley has rewired the lights with new LED lighting which can shine with white lights or multiple colors.
Two of the sconces have been hung in the lobby, while the remaining nine are being hung in the Montgomery Rehearsal Hall. The lights are being hung as they are completed but approximately $3,000 is needed to complete the project. A licensed electrician must still be hired to properly wire them into the building.
There is also a project to restore the clock on the clock tower. The estimated cost to restore the clock with new works, new digital control and reconnecting the bell tower to the clock mechanism has been calculated at about $24,000. One person has offered $7,000 once the balance of the money, $17,000, is raised.
The new clock works would set the time to the national standard and automatically adjust for daylight saving time and power outages. Contact Joe or Sheila Markley if you would like to be part of that project.