[Source: Elisabeth Ruffner] -- The Elks Opera House is owned on a condominium basis by the City Of Prescott, a purchase made several years ago from the Arizona Community Foundation. The city and the recently organized Elks Opera House Foundation, under a memorandum of understanding, have embarked on the final phase of the renovation project. The city operates the theater; the foundation is responsible for the renovation.Interested persons can purchase an old theater seat for $500. The proceeds go toward the purchase of 398 new seats in the house and 138 refurbished 1927 seats in the balcony (with recognition plaques placed on the wall at the entrance).
A grant proposal has been submitted to the Arizona Heritage Fund to renovate the second lobby and then work will commence on a restoration of the boxes, proscenium arch, ceiling light fixture, painting, and carpeting, after the code required sprinkling has been completed.
On February 17, 2006, the Elks Opera House Foundation will hold the second annual celebration of Statehood Day (February 14, 1912) and 101st anniversary of the opening of the Elks (February 19, 1905). The event features dinner and dancing at the historic Hassayampa Inn, red carpet procession to the opera house, and show hosted by State Historian Marshall Trimble, including music from 1912 and an original play, "The Little Town That Could," by Sharlot Hall Museum’s Blue Rose Theater.
[Note: For more information, contact Susan Hampton at 928-443-8541. Photo source: City of Prescott.]
