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Many
inquires have been received concerning the Huber Theater, now Tremors. This partial
article was published at the time of the buildings completion. It was regarded as one of
the area's grandest buildings
THE HUBER THEATER
A GREAT SUCCESS
WAS THE GRAND OPENING OF THE
NEW OPERA HOUSE
By the greatest
possible exertion was the new opera house ready for the grand opening this evening. The
great experience of Mr. Huber, who has been present for a number of days, alone making it
possible to open the house at the designated time. Painters, carpenters and drapers were
busy until the very last moments. To say their work has been well done would but feebly
express it. Mr. George Huber, the builder, ably seconded by the large staff of men who
worked on the building, have given our little city the most perfectly beautiful house for
public amusement in Northwestern Ohio. Language is inadequate to describe the structure as
it fully deserves.
Being on the ground
floor, the exterior is not so pretentious as some that have business houses under them.
But this very fact but adds to the building for a public play house.
On entering the
large and spacious lobby you are at once struck with the artistic and expensive finish and
design of the floors which are laid in tile. The box office is also a model of its kind,
being built with an eye to business and tone.
You now enter the
great doors that lead to the audience room. At once the sight dazzles your eyes, that our
modest little city should have so beautiful a house seems incredible. No expense has been
spared, all that skill and the lavish use of money could do has been done to beautify and
make perfect the fine structure.
The floors pass away
in a gentle slope to the large stage, the view from all points is pleasing and grand. The
ceilings are done in a delicate cream tinted terra cotta, the side walls being in two
lovely shades of the same.
The ceiling
decorations are tastefully done in gold and blue, while the hangings are of the same
shades. Dados are in plastico, and posts in bright silver aluminum and dainty terra cotta.
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Huber Opera Block,
which later housed the Huber Theatre, once hosted many notable theatrical performers of
the late 1800's |
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stage front is in solid antique oak making a striking and catchy contrast to the lighter
and more delicate walls and ceilings. The seats - of which there are nine
hundred and fifty, are of rich cherry, handsomely upholstered in olive-green mohair plush. The stage fittings are on as
grand and substantial plans as all other things about the house, each piece of scenery is
by master hands, the drop curtain alone being undoubtedly the finest thing of it's kind
ever seen by our people, or of this part of the great state of Ohio. The stage is fitted
with hoists as in all modern houses in large cities.
The carpeting is of
the kind especially adapted for stage use, being reversible. The boxes are carpeted in
velvet plush of great expense, the dressing rooms and roomy isles having the same
materials. A matter of special pride in this last is the fact our own firm of Boon &
Bevington supplied these fine goods.
The boxes are draped in expensive portiers, designed and made especially for this house,
being of rich and costly material. In speaking of the arrangements of the house for the
convenience and health of the audiences. Large and roomy cloak and ladies and children's
toilet rooms have been provided for, while the heating and ventilating of the large house
has received the attentions of experts in that line. Two four ton Smead heaters have
been provided thus guaranteeing the perfect heating of the room while at the same the air
is completely renewed each thirty minutes.
The balcony is
finished in and follows the same features of other parts of the house described above.
The house is lighted
with ten arc lights, with fifty for use in dressing rooms, offices, and cloak room.
Clemmer &
Johnson, the contractors who built the house, are Hicksville men, and it is a fact
pleasing to our little city that we have so able and hustling thoroughness of the work
will be a lasting recommendation for them and all builders.
W.O. Hughes & Co. one of our large and
enterprising firms furnished the stage settings. Miss Pearl Ryan designed and made the
portiers and drapings. J.C. Ryan, one of our city attorneys, deserves great credit for the
active part he has taken, as Mr. Huber's agent in the building and multitudinous.
Thanks to the Hicksville Historical Society
for the above information. |
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The Huber Theater
problem continues..
Should the historical building be destroyed or renovated? Many think it would be a
real shame to destroy such a legacy. However some recent owners have let the building and
the beautiful inside become damaged nearly beyond repair.
Is the money it would take to renovate the building worth it - or
should the lot be made into a parking lot?
Do we have the right to destroy historical buildings - but what about the upkeep?
If anyone reading this has an idea or an opinion, please Email Donabee and the message will be passed on to
those concerned persons who are involved in this dilemma...
The above was taken from a news article.
UPDATE: read the update on the SAVE
THE HUBER page.
Thank You.... |
