Harrington Opera House Happenings

The Harrington Opera House Society (HOHS) continues to work hard to find funding for the rehabilitation of the historic Bank Block Building including the Harrington Opera House auditorium. The small but dedicated group of volunteers also endeavors to bring a variety of events for audiences from around the area to enjoy.

Recent events included hosting the Harrington Historic Preservation Commission's public presentation on historic preservation in August and on September 10th a concert by a well known country rock group, The Ryan Larsen Band, attended by a very small but enthusiastic crowd.

Upcoming activities include a free Humanities Washington program - Cowboys & Cowgirls in Story & Song on September 16th, The Soda Creek 3 - folk trio and an Open House during Harrington Fall Festival weekend (Sept. 23 - 24), and a fundraising dinner, catered by Templin's Country Corner, "Old World Gourmet Spaghetti Dinner" across the street from the Opera House at the Memorial Hall on September 23rd. And looking forward to November, a Grammy Award winning duo, Tingstad & Rumbel will bring acoustic guitar and woodwind music to the Opera House on November 4th. Additionally, the Harrington Nazarene Church is sponsoring and hosting a gospel music concert open to the public on September 22nd.

Also, as part of the Society's mission to support the arts, private piano lessons are being offered this fall. The class schedule filled quickly - an indication of the need for arts education in the area. Kelly Hensley, who is opening a dance studio in Davenport, recently made a donation to the Opera House in return for some mirrors the Society had in storage. Potential future events could include dance recitals or even a short "dance camp" or workshop.

All these activities as well as the continued rehabilitation of the historic building depend on support from individuals, businesses, communities, commissioners, legislators, and even the tax payers. According to Linda Wagner, HOHS President, "every little bit helps, whether it's cookies for the refreshment table, attending an event, or donating money or services to help underwrite a performance or equipment purchase."

The HOHS was one of the few recipients for this year's round of WA State Building for the Arts Grant awards. However, the actual funding to be received will depend on the amount of income and in-kind support the group can document for specific building improvement projects already completed, in progress, and yet to be started. For every $100 spent, the HOHS will only be reimbursed for $20 - up to $66,000. "Still," according to Billie Herron, co-treasurer and grant writer, "in the current budget climate - the award of this grant is a major tribute to the community development efforts undertaken by HOHS." Funding for recent, current, and future projects has also been received from the Lincoln County Commissioners, the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, Avista, US Bank, Wheatland Bank, and an employee (Wanda Buddrius) matching grant from Bank of the West.

Additionally, many other groups and individuals have generously donated time, expertise, and/or much needed cash towards operating expenses, building rehabilitation, The Art Room, the "Museum", and bringing events to the community.

The HOHS non-profit status and bylaws allow limited instances of renting the facilities out to groups or individuals for private or public functions, providing another source of income. With proximity to the Memorial Hall for food preparation and receptions, the Opera House provides "rustic elegance" for weddings and other activities.

Much has been accomplished in the years since the Harrington Opera House Society formed in 1992 to bring the historic 1904 building back from the brink of demolition to a valuable resource for the community and the county. Starting with a new roof, and continuing with electrical, heating and plumbing upgrades, installation of a new lobby staircase to the upstairs Opera House auditorium, and most recently replacing the auditorium ceiling including installation of house lighting and chandeliers, has been a sometimes daunting but rewarding task. In bringing the building back to usefulness while preserving its historic character, the HOHS is helping Harrington revive the downtown and enhance the economic development potential, not only of Harrington, but for the surrounding area as well.

Though much has been accomplished, there is still a long way to go. From research and architectural consultants, it is estimated that it will take an additional $900,000 to finish integrating necessary modern amenities while maintaining National Historic Register and WA State Historic Register status.

One of the most immediate priorities, after paying off loans for the latest updates, is to secure funding to install an elevator to the second floor Opera House auditorium. Performers and audience members alike extol the high quality acoustics of the space. Musicians and visitors from out of town often remark to HOHS volunteers that the Opera House is a "real treasure" to be preserved and utilized. More people will be able to enjoy the variety of events, from speakers to concerts; from harp & classical to country and rock; from teas and dances to book reviews and art shows, if there is an elevator available for senior citizens and the physically challenged.

One of several upcoming events, the Old World Gourmet Spaghetti Dinner, catered by Templin's Country Corner, will be held in the accessible Harrington Memorial Hall across the street from the Opera House. Dollars generated from this event will go directly into the elevator fund. Event attendance is another key way that individuals and families can support this asset to the area. Those who want more information about the Harrington Opera House and upcoming events can visit http://www.harringtonoperahouse.org or call HOHS President, Linda Wagner at (509) 253-4719.