Donations to fund critical repairs to historic 1886 Stafford Opera House
COLUMBUS — A special Town Hall meeting was held on Aug. 29 in the Buddy Rau Room of the Stafford Opera House to announce the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust Inc.’s “Save Our Opera House” capital campaign. Money raised from the campaign will fund critical repairs needed to bring the 1886 Stafford Opera House to full functionality.
Melissa “Missy” Parker, newly elected executive director for CHPT, presented a State of the Organization address to those in attendance, which included an overview of all repairs needed for the building. Repairs include a new roof, fortifying the structural integrity of the building, and repairing the elevator. CHPT has raised currently $30,000 of the $700,000 campaign goal from community donations. Longtime Columbus resident, John Massey, has generously pledged $100,000 as a matching gift specifically earmarked for elevator repairs.
Meeting attendees were encouraged to get involved with CHPT by joining a committee, donating to the campaign, and contacting friends and family members to ask for their support in saving the Opera House.
Located in the heart of Columbus, the R.E. Stafford Opera House is considered the crown jewel of Colorado County. Since its completion in 1886, the Opera House has served as a bank, dry goods store, theater, roller rink and car dealership. Over the years and changes in ownership, the once grand building fell into disrepair. In 1972, the Magnolia Homes Tour Inc. (now the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust Inc.) purchased the opera house and began restorations to bring it back to its former glory. The full restoration was completed in 1990 and the opera house was rededicated to the City of Columbus and its residents.
For many Columbus residents, past and present, the opera house holds very special memories. Memories of weddings, proms, reunions, Magnolia Belle pre- sentations, and other significant events that brought friends, family, and community members together. The opera house is an important part of not only Columbus’ history, but the history of its residents.
Over the past 30 years, several repairs to the building have been made, including repainting and reflooring portions of the grand hall as well as updating the a/c system. However, significant re pairs and improvements to the 137-year-old building must now be made for guests to continue to fully utilize the space. Without these repairs, CHPT will not be able to rent the venue and will lose crucial revenue to continue the upkeep of the opera house as well as the three other CHPT-properties in town the Alley Log Cabin & Tool Museum, the Dilue Rose Harris House Museum, and the Santa Claus Museum.
The need for funding for the Stafford Opera House repairs has reached a critical point. Community members and businesses are invited to save the opera house by joining the Stafford Opera House Legacy Giving Society.
Donations of all amounts are appreciated and with certain gifts, donors will receive unique benefits and community recogni tion. Gifts may be made in-per- son at the CHPT office (located on the first floor of the Stafford Opera House) or online by visiting https://bit.ly/SaveOurOpera-House.
For additional information about the campaign and donating, please contact CHPT at 979-7325135 or [email protected].
