I’m real excited about this challenge.
Virtually every day we get to see and clean unusual textiles and surfaces, but historical items are my fav. Next week we’re going to inspect the Howell Opera House and see if we can put together a cleaning plan.
I haven’t seen it yet but from what I’m told it has probably never been professionally cleaned before.
Here are some interesting facts about the Howell Opera House:
* Construction started in 1880
* Original cost: $11,000
* Officially opened on Dec 30, 1881
* 1,000 person seating capacity
* In 1924 the Fire Marshall ordered the 2nd and 3rd levels sealed for safety reasons. It has remained sealed from 1924 until 2000
* It is Howell’s 1st public building
* Originally named “Eagle Tavern”
* Gill-Roy’s Hardware store was a long-term tenant of the 1st level
* In the year 2000, the Livingston Arts Council purchased the building with the goal of completely refurbishing it
HubTV’s Executive Producer Brent Earl will be on-hand to show us around. GULP! We’ll have to be on our best behavior!
Scott