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FREDONIA – The Fredonia Preservation Society (FPS) recently demonstrated its continuing support of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House by making a contribution toward interior repairs.
The $2,000 contribution was given to help pay for repairs to the Opera House balcony walls and Box Office ceiling and floor, which all sustained water damage from leaks in the 118-year old building’s roof and Yankee gutter system. The repairs included new plaster to the balcony wall, remolding of the decorative capital atop three pilasters, replacement of the Box Office floor and a partial replacement of the Box Office ceiling. The building’s leaking roof and gutter system were replaced this summer by the Village.
“We very grateful to the Preservation Society Board for this gift,” notes Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis. “The Opera House only exists today because of the Society’s efforts 24 years ago to save the building from demolition and restore the theatre. The fact that the organization is still willing to support us with this gift today demonstrates the dedication and commitment it has for keeping alive the community’s history and for preserving its architectural gems.”
Fredonia Preservation Society President Linda Malcolm notes that Board members were pleased to make the contribution. “We would have liked to contribute more,” she adds. “But the Society currently is very engaged in preserving the Forest Hill Cemetery gatehouse, which also is in need of several costly repairs.” Malcolm says there is structural work needed on the gatehouse porch, as well as a number of other challenges facing the organization in connection with that project.
She adds that anyone interested in supporting the mission of the Preservation Society or assisting with the gatehouse project can contact the organization at 716-672-4551.
Chautauqua County’s only year-round performing arts center, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House is a member-supported not-for-profit organization located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.
The Fredonia Preservation Society is a member-supported organization dedicated to preserving historically and architecturally significant structures in the Village of Fredonia.
