Corning Opera House

==Corning Opera House== The '''Corning Opera House''' is a historic cultural center located in Corning, Iowa, that has served as a hub for entertainment and community events for over a century. Positioned strategically at 800 Davis Avenue, the Opera House is 48 miles from Maryville, Missouri, 85 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, and 95 miles from Des Moines, Iowa. This landmark is a proud member of several chambers of commerce and organizations dedicated to preserving historic theaters. ===History=== The origins of the Corning Opera House can be traced back to the early 1900s when a devastating fire destroyed the National Bank and several businesses at the corner of 8th and Davis Avenue. In 1901, local businessman Frederick Charles Reese recognized the community's need for an entertainment venue and decided to build the Opera House on the site of the former bank. The new structure, completed in 1902, incorporated remnants of the burned-out predecessor and featured a raised basement and a distinctive cut-corner entrance. Initially functioning as a live stage theater, the Opera House transitioned to a movie theater by 1921, while still hosting live performances occasionally. The last known production before its decline was "Blue Heaven," directed by Milo Green in 1934. ===Restoration=== The turn of the millennium saw a resurgence of interest in the Opera House, leading to the formation of a restoration committee in 2000. Through community efforts, including bake sales and soup suppers, and the acquisition of grants, significant funds were raised for restoration. By 2006, windows were restored, and the roof was sealed. An elevator installation in 2009 and other structural improvements followed. A significant breakthrough came in 2010 when the non-profit board received a $1.5 million Main Street Iowa I-Jobs grant. This funding was instrumental in achieving a comprehensive restoration totaling $3.5 million, which included a new roof, geothermal heating and cooling, restored auditorium tin ceiling, and modern audio/video/lighting equipment. The grand reopening of the Opera House took place on April 5 & 6, 2012. ===Recent Developments=== Since its restoration, the Corning Opera House has welcomed over 45,000 visitors and has been utilized for a wide array of events, including weddings, meetings, and live entertainment. In 2019, the venue was active for 197 days. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a partial shutdown, with only 12 events held that year. Despite the challenges, the Opera House continued to receive grant support and underwent further repairs, including window and gutter replacements. As of 2021, the Opera House has been recovering, with a focus on engaging the older population through an afternoon speaker series and youth activities. The Board of Directors has adapted to the state of Iowa's health guidelines, making masks optional and removing social distancing requirements. ===Awards and Recognition=== The Corning Opera House's commitment to historic preservation and community engagement has earned it numerous accolades. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 and has since received awards such as Iowa Preservation at its Best for Best Community Effort (2013), America Small Business Champion by SCORE (2017), and the Adams County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year (2017), among others. ===Support and Community Involvement=== The Corning Opera House relies on the support of volunteers and donors to maintain its operations and programming. Volunteer opportunities include box office and usher duties, concessions, and various event support roles. The organization also offers sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and accepts individual donations to support the arts. ==External Links== * [https://www.corningoperahouse.com/ Official website] * [https://www.facebook.com/CorningOperaHouse/ Facebook Page] [[Category:Historic American Theatres]] [[Category:Iowa Cultural Centers]] [[Category:1902 establishments in Iowa]]