‘Save Our Opera House’ campaign launched

COLUMBUS — A capital campaign to raise $700,000 to fund “critical repairs” at the 137-yearold R.E. Stafford Opera House took center stage during a town hall hosted by the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust Inc.

The trust has raised $30,000 so far, said Melissa “Missy” Parker, executive director of the trust, at the Aug. 29 meeting in the Buddy Rau Room in the performing arts center, 425 Spring St.

Renovations include a new roof, fortifying the structural integrity of the building and repairing the elevator, Parker added.

Longtime resident, businessman and philanthropist John Massey also has pledged $100,000 as a matching gift specifically earmarked for elevator repairs.

The R.E. Stafford Opera House is considered the crown jewel of Colorado County, officials with the trust said.

Since its completion in 1886, the building has served as a bank, a dry goods store, a theater, a roller rink and a car dealership.

Over the years and changes in ownership, the once-grand building fell into disrepair, preservationists said.

In 1972, the Magnolia Homes Tour Inc. — now the trust — purchased the Opera House and began restorations to restore the site to its former glory. Renovations were completed in 1990 and the venue was rededicated to the city and its residents, trust officials said.

For many residents, the opera house holds memories of weddings, proms, reunions, Magnolia Belle presentations and other significant events, preservationists said.

During 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 air-conditioning system.

If the opera house is to remain available for rentals, a crucial source of income for the site 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 — then the new capital campaign is necessary, officials said.

The trust has created the Stafford Opera House Legacy Giving Society to oversee the funding effort.

Donations can can be made in person at the CHPT office located on the first floor of the opera house or online by visiting https://bit.ly/SaveOurOperaHouse.

For more information, call 979-732-5135 or email [email protected].