Press Release

cupola lighting ceremony set for june 25

Date:  06/22/2009

COLDWATER, MI—

The new cupola atop the Tibbits Opera House will be dedicated and lit in a ceremony Thursday night, June 25, following the opening night performance of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” 

After completing the restoration of the dome and raising it to the roof of the building last February, Tibbits flew the American flag creating an impressive skyline for downtown Coldwater. Many felt it important for Tibbits to fly the flag 24/7. Members of the Branch County Bar Association raised the funds for lighting to be installed so Tibbits staff could do just that. Ed Geishert then donated funds to insure Tibbits had adequate flags to present at 95 feet in the air.  Thursday night’s presentation will officially turn on the lights and raise the flag on the 126-year old structure.

The cupola is part of the third phase of the restoration project for the Tibbits Opera House. This phase also included the re-pointing of the brick on the sides and back of the building. Fundraising is still underway to complete the restoration of the rest of the ornate Victorian façade.  The Scenic Byways Grant from the Federal Highway Administration is part of the funding for the completion of the project.

Funding for the cupola came from private donations as well as a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Funding for the re-pointing came from the F. Harold and Lillian Creal Endowment Fund through the Branch County Community Foundation.