Greater Minnesota - Fairmont
*This archived article was originally published in Fall 2004.
Fairmont Opera House
It takes a village to raise a roof. Just ask any citizen of Fairmont, Minn.
BY JENNIFER NEWGARD
Halfway between Chicago and the Black Hills, and just over two hours southwest of the Twin Cities, travelers come upon the peaceful city of Fairmont, Minn. Distinguished by a chain of five lakes that run through the town, Fairmont’s amiable, laid-back demeanor makes it a natural draw for visitors with business and vacation agendas alike. However, the surrounding waters of Fairmont compose just one of the many features that make this fair city a little bit different from the rest.
The Little Opera House that Could
The Fairmont Opera House, a regal structure set in the city’s downtown plaza, has been Fairmont’s pride and joy since its inception in 1902. A product of community generosity whose building costs were funded entirely by local businesses, the Opera House has been the city’s cultural epicenter for more than 100 years, and stands today as one of the Midwest’s oldest and longest standing opera houses.
At one time, opera houses were common in rural American communities. At the turn of the century, they were popping up everywhere, giving locals a place to meet, perform, and host events. Over the years as funding and support waned, many community opera houses were abandoned, converted for other uses, or simply torn down. The citizens of Fairmont did not give up their opera house so easily. The town of 10,000 has rallied around the Fairmount Opera House with a sense of unity and pride for years, seeing it through 25 years of re-openings, multiple renovations, and repairs made possible by the community’s financial and physical support. “We are not owned nor do we receive operating funds from the city, county or school district,” said Managing Director Michael Burgraff.
The Opera House first opened its doors in 1902, to a sold-out grand opening performance of “The Chaperones.” Tickets sold for $5 apiece, a costly sum considering a night at the local hotel was only $2. In 1907, the Opera House began hosting movies accompanied by a five-piece orchestra. In 1929, sound movies debuted at the theater, and the Opera House enjoyed its success until the 1940s. The Opera House was then purchased by outside corporations, and while live shows remained popular for a few more years, the increasing popularity of television was a tough competitor. By the 1970s, the Opera House was showing X-rated movies and was in dire physical condition; the roof leaked, the walls and ceiling were crumbling, and the carpet was worn through. Its doors were shut in 1980, and it was scheduled for demolition until a group of citizens purchased the building for $51,000. Since then, the community has worked to restore the Opera House to its original beauty. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Recently, the Opera House underwent major construction to repair a collapsing roof, and resulting cosmetic damage in the main facility. “In these somewhat difficult economic times it would have been easy to give up on raising the needed funds,” said Jack Gerhardt, Fairmont Opera House Board President. “But this community spoke loudly. It took ownership. Donations have poured in from young and old, rich and poor. The surrounding area proved its greatness by saving this unique theater and helping preserve it for another 100 years.”
A Stage for All Occasions
The Opera House is a diverse facility that has served as one of Minnesota’s most unique gathering places. Burgraff has kept it alive and going strong by employing it in innovative ways. Traditional participants such as actors, vocalists, bands, dancers, comedians and magicians still grace the stage with increasing acclaim and regularity.
But the Opera House has also been the setting for high school proms, weddings, classes, receptions, and several training seminars and business meetings. With its unique décor and noted past, the Opera House provides a fascinating place for any event, steeped with character, and culture.
In fact, the Opera House makes an extra effort to provide a diverse lineup of seasonal entertainment. “We have put together a wonderful season of international entertainment,” Burgraff said of the upcoming events. The Opera House’s fall/winter 2004 season includes legendary folk singer Arlo Guthrie (Oct. 1), celebrated Israeli musician Eyal Sela (Oct .15), the popular big band Glenn Miller Orchestra (Nov. 5) and the Jon McAndrew Holiday Trio Show (Dec. 17).
The Opera House offers meeting planners a variety of options and amenities. Theatre-style seating can accommodate 506 people, with 314 on the main floor and 192 in the balcony. A 20-foot movie screen and LCD projector is available, along with a top-of-the-line sound system and special lighting. It also features an on-site art gallery and is within walking distance of lodging and shopping, as well as area parks and lakes.
The ample seating, majestic stage, decorative walls and curving, horseshoe balcony are some of the physical attributes which make the Fairmont Opera House one of southern Minnesota’s prime venues, but the history of community pride and unity of this local landmark is what truly makes it one of a kind.
