Local News
Related Photos
-
John Cross
-
John Cross
-
Submitted photo
Discussion
Tools
Out with the old Ottawa stage curtain
New curtain being designed by student artists in New York
OTTAWA — t’s curtains for the historic curtain on Ottawa Town Hall’s stage.
But a $5,400 replicated replacement is waiting in the wings.
The torn and faded circa 1910 painted-scenic curtain will be replaced through efforts of the Ottawa Township Board, Ottawa historians and the Le Sueur County Historical Society.
Meantime, work on the new one is about to be commence by student artists in New York under the direction of University of Minnesota professor and historic scenic design buff Lance Brockman, who documented the Ottawa curtain 20 years ago.
“It’s highly unusual to find something like this still hanging,” Brockman said of the canvas drop curtain in the 148-year-old town hall situated between St. Peter and Le Sueur.
Stage curtains adorned with scenic landscapes were once commonplace in fledgling American communities, where opera houses often were among the first buildings erected.
Historic sleuthing done on the Ottawa curtain has revealed it likely came from an opera house in St. Peter. Though it’s still in working order, its condition is woeful.
“Age and water stains have kind of destroyed the image that is there,” Ottawa Town Board Member Dick Peterson said.
Talk of replicating the curtain has circulated for years, but the catalyst for action was aided by Minnesota’s sesquicentennial observance this year.
“The sesquicentennial has really brought history to the forefront and made historical societies think about how they could best highlight their assets,” said Kathy Burns, who is working on the project on behalf of the Le Sueur County Historical Society.
Funding comes from the Unimin Corp. of Ottawa, which set up a preservation fund to support projects in the village of Ottawa.
Brockman said the new muslin curtain will replicate the bluffs-and-water scene as well as the vibrant colors of the original.
Brockman said making color choices required a “leap of faith” because the paint on the aged curtain had become so deteriorated.
Restoring the curtain was out of the question, he said.
“It’s in such horrendous shape that restoration seemed to be throwing good money after bad.”
The painting will be done by graduate students studying scenic painting at Cobalt Studios in White Lake, N.Y. A December unveiling in Ottawa is anticipated.
In addition to board meetings, the town hall continues to be used for wedding receptions and other social functions.
When the old curtain is taken down, it will be placed in the tube used to transport its replacement and tucked away for
posterity.
- Local News
-
-
New approach planned to halting river erosion
LOSING LAND: Much of the sediment in the Minnesota River is washed in from
the Le Sueur River -
Flood is a sight to see
The flood walls in Mankato and North Mankato have made this year's flood a spectator attraction.
-
Flood warning for region upgraded to "moderate"
CLICK for latest Mankato weather forecast and flood warnings
Detailed floodwatch for New Ulm, Mankato, St. Peter, Henderson.
-
Lake Washington rec trail eyed
Residents say there are more pedestrians and bicyclists on the non-shouldered roads around the lake.
-
Local marathon raises interest in training
The Mankato Marathon will take place Oct. 23.
-
Exhibitors say interest improving in home improvements
Home show exhibitors hope the upturn in interest at this year’s show leads to a busier summer and fall than past years.
- Today's Services (3/21/10)
- Weird News: An army moves on its stomach
-
County hopes to save mental health crisis center
The plan would still require more than $500,000, and it's not certain the Legislature will go along with that expenditure.
-
Local economy a mixed bag
Commerical construction slumps, and the increase in residential construction is largely from one project near the MSU campus.
- More Local News Headlines
-
