| Restoration Newsletter |
August 2009 |
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Greetings!
Welcome to Tibbits' restoration e-newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about the restoration project, the fundraising campaign, and to provide some general interest information about historic restoration and preservation.
Even though you've received this message I encourage you to join our mailing list where you can specify the other areas in which you are interested. Please contact us if you have any suggestions or if you would like to get involved. And feel free to share this newsletter with your friends!
Sincerely,
Barbara Miller
Development/Special Events Coodinator | |
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| USDA Awards $40,000 for Facade Restoration |
 Tibbits has been awarded $40,000 by the USDA's Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program to restore the façade of the opera house to its original beauty and grandeur dating back to the time the theatre was built in 1882. This award was officially announced on July 17, 2009.
Tibbits' original ornamentation was removed and covered with an Art Deco façade in the 1930s when it was turned into a movie house. During the 1960s that façade was removed and a temporary façade was put up. Tibbits is in Phase III of its restoration project, which is the total restoration of the façade to its original 1882 French Second Empire design. Within this phase the theatre has already restored the brick on the north, south, and west wall, and the cupola. Previous phases of restoration included design development, demolition of an adjacent building, removal of hazardous materials inside the theatre, repair of the boilers, improvement of emergency exits, and installation of an elevator, a barrier free entrance, and a barrier free restroom. The Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) Program is a highly competitive, merit based program to provide grants for rural projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses, help fund distance learning networks, and help fund employment related adult education programs. To assist with business development, the RBEG Program funds a broad array of activities. More information on this program can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm. Receipt of this grant puts an increased emphasis on raising the remaining $415,000 needed to get to the next step of restoring the façade. To get involved with the effort or to make a donation please call Barbara Miller, Tibbits' Development/Special Events Coordinator, at 517-278-6029. For more information visit http://www.tibbits.org/restoration.htm or click here to download a pledge form. |
| National Recognition for Tibbits |
 Tibbits Opera House's Restoration project received national recognition in June from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). The NRCA featured Tibbits cupola, a unique roofing project, in Professional Roofing magazine published by the organization as "the source for the roofing industry." The article entitled, "A Historic Performance," by Associate Editor Ashley St. John recognizes the work of Braman Roofing Co. and Foulke Construction both of Hillsdale, MI. It includes a brief history of the 126-year old theatre, a recounting of the construction with specific detail on the roofing materials and attention to the pattern in the shingles. It also recaps the raising of the 23,000 pound structure and installation onto the roof of the theatre. Photos for the article were furnished by Braman Roofing and Tibbits with the latter courtesy of Anne Davidson of Coldwater. Please click here to view a copy of the magazine article or visit www.professionalroofing.net to read the complete article with extra features. |
| Cupola Dedication & Lighting Ceremony |
 Over 200 people participated in a ceremony to dedicate and light the new cupola atop the Tibbits Opera House on June 25. The celebration was held after the performance of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" as part of a big kick-off for the  opening night of Tibbits Summer Theatre season.
At the end of the show, the cast led the audience out of the theatre where ushers handed out balloons and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Ken Delaney, Mary Smith, and Judge Bill O'Grady officiated. After the cupola was lit, the audience participated in a balloon launch.
Members of the Branch County Bar Association raised the funds for lighting to be installed so Tibbits could fly the American flag twenty-four hours a day. Ed Geishert generously donated funds to purchase a supply of flags.
Tibbits now proudly displays the American flag at 95 feet in the air, creating an impressive skyline for downtown Coldwater. |
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We hope that you have enjoyed receiving this information and that you have found it to be informative. Please contact Barbara Miller at 517-278-6029 if you have any suggestions for items we should address in the next issue, to get involved with the restoration project, or to make a contribution.
Sincerely,
Ken Delaney * Mary Smith * David Norton
Restoration Committee Co-Chairs | |
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