Pemberville Opera House Elevator

 
The Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society

The Pemberville Opera House  is one of the oldest operating opera houses in Ohio. Built in 1892 and set in the small village of Pemberville on the banks of the Portage River, this opera house is a true "theatre on the second floor." The opera house saw a lot of use in its' early years, vaudeville shows, medicine shows, plays, husking bees, even basketball games filled its' walls. The theatre saw graduations, weddings and all types of speeches from political to religious! The opera house boasted a raked stage, scenery slats,  trap doors in the ceiling and floor, an original grand drape and even three dressing rooms, albeit very small ones!
     As happened with many such treasures the opera house fell into disrepair when the world war captured the attention of the country and it would not see use again for several decades.
     In 1999 a dedicated group of volunteers from the local historical society took up the cause and returned the opera house to her former glory and it now is home to a Children's Theatre Workshop, an annual concert series, a large art show and a Christmas festival. The theatre is alive and breathing and is a wonder to all who visit.
     The only thing holding her back is in our description. She's a "theatre on the second floor." With a long and daunting staircase, many who would attend productions there simply can't, hence this campaign to place an elevator tower on the outside of the structure. 
    This elevator tower sits outside of the opera house itself so as not to disturb the beauty of the theatre. The tower will feature not only the elevator but two handicapped accessible restrooms as well.  It will be a perfect blend of the old and the new with a nod to the preservation of the restoration completed in 1999.
      Please consider a gift to help us complete this very worthwhile project. It will be such a blessing to all those who cannot attend the wonderful programs therein.  If you are in the area, please contact Carol and get a personal tour of this incredible treasure! www.pembervilleoperahouse.org