Then & Now

The Stage is Set for You...

In 1882, Barton S. Tibbits financed the construction of Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan. Mr. Tibbits spent his fortune to build this grand theatre and died financially broke having spent all he had to give his gift of a theatre to generations of people.

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Tibbits Opera House was a very attractive stop along State Route US 12 for traveling performers moving between Detroit and Chicago. The theatre has hosted Vaudeville acts and many famous entertainers have captivated audiences over the years including P.T. Barnum, Ethel Barrymore, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Bob Newhart and more recently Mickey Rooney, Jeff Daniels and John Corbett.

After a 25 year run as the local movie house, the theatre was closed in 1954 and stood vacant and fading. A group of local citizens joined together to save Tibbits from the wrecking ball in the 1960’s. They did a great job of restoring the theatre. Their efforts allowed Tibbits to
once again function as a viable theatre offering local community theatre productions, children’s programming, a professional summer theatre season, touring performing acts, comedians, musicians, the annual Rotary show and more.

Now the time has come, some 40 years later, to again restore Tibbits Opera House to ensure that the theatre can continue to offer cultural and artistic programming for future generations. To not act now will cause the further deterioration of this important piece of Michigan and American history and could ultimately lead to the City of Coldwater losing a community treasure.

The Tibbits Story

They were welcomed by Barton S. Tibbits, then ushered through leather covered wood doors into the performance area. Elegant red Brussels' carpet softened their steps, and "grand opera chairs," upholstered in "dark Cardinal plush" waited, while beneath a dome resplendent with painted cherubs, a large chandelier scattered sparkles of reflected light over all. Dominating the scene was a grandly ornate Proscenium Stage with elegant opera boxes situated within the massive tin and plaster arch. Elegance was paired with superb acoustics, and behind the closed curtain, actors and crew waited to present "Maid of Arran." After remarks by local dignitaries, Tibbits was summoned onstage with "tumultuous applause." According to The Coldwater Republican, the performance wasn't as impressive as the opera house. "The song and dance might have been omitted with advantage" sums up the newspaper's account.

Few opera houses of that era remain standing, and Tibbits, now an historic treasure, has survived numerous threats and a risky beginning. Art Gallery owner H.C. Lewis first proposed that he and Tibbits fund and build an opera house, but Lewis soon backed down. Tibbits forged ahead alone, declaring he would "build an opera house if it 'bust' my factory." Later in life he considered the opera house his financial downfall; he could not know that his gift to the community would make his name well known far beyond his time.

A stunning variety of programs streamed across the stage; "The Drunkard's Daughter," "Faust," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," Thomas Keene in Shakespeare's "Richard the III," John Phillips Sousa, John L. Sullivan, James Whitcomb Riley reading his poetry, Buffalo Bill and His Cowboys, The Boston Symphony Orchestra, dancing parties, Robert G. Ingersoll lectures, and Mack Sennett in the chorus of "Wang." But performances never guarantee audiences. Newspapers predicted that the theatre would be converted into a "roller mill" (The Courier, 1884). Tibbits removed "the elephant on his hands" in 1885 by selling the opera house to Joseph Henning for $13,000, just over half the original cost of $25,000.

Henning, a good hearted German saloon keeper, brought in wrestling and boxing matches, Professor Case and his Wonderful Dogs, conventions, marionette shows, local talent shows, camel rides, a circus side show, and the annual high school graduation ceremonies. He also brought his bright 16 year old daughter Huldah, who by 1891 was managing the theatre on her own, signing her father's name since many acts would not accept a female manager.

John T. Jackson arrived, representing a traveling theatrical group, and Huldah got help and a husband in one package. In the 1890s, Jackson redesigned scenery mechanisms, moved girders to add wing space, added a sprinkler system and steel fire curtain, and updated the available electric current. He may be responsible for the theatre's longevity, since many others were destroyed by fire.

In 1919 Dennis R. and Estella Vanes purchased Tibbits and brought in movies. William J. Schulte bought the opera house in 1934 and physically "modernized" it into a movie theatre. A flat front was constructed, covering Tibbits' "gingerbread" facade. Years of movies and crowds of children at Saturday afternoon cliffhangers accelerated its decline. In 1954 "VACANT" appears in the record books. The "grand old lady" stood empty, ravaged by time and lack of upkeep. The building's magnificent acoustics served only invading pigeons and resident bats.

Determined local thespians and Sweet Adelines came to the rescue in the late 1950s. They scrubbed and dug, and begged for donations. Some stayed up nights to stoke the old furnace. Others joined in, and a land contract was negotiated with Schulte. The first performance was punctuated by holes in the curtain, but live theatre was back.

The Tibbits Opera Foundation was formally organized in 1963, and Larry Carrico was hired as manager. With foundation and community support, and Carrico's intense efforts, the house was repapered, curtain replaced, ceiling replastered and painted, new seats installed, and the basement excavated, literally "by the bucketful."

Today Tibbits is busy year round. Professional summer stock and children's theatre draw large summer crowds. Winter events include concerts, Community Theatre, Christmas shows, recitals, children's theatre, and professional productions. Work from area artists is an ongoing exhibit.

Community enthusiasm and support continue, but age has taken a toll on the opera house. Foundation members have accepted the massive challenges of planning, funding and completing crucial renovation and restoration. Tibbits Opera House has endured successes, failures, a string of owners, and repeated threats of demolition. It survives as a community treasure, and is eminently worth preserving. "Remove not the ancient landmarks which your Fathers have set..." Proverbs 22:28. If past community response is any indication, this landmark will remain.