A T H E A T E R B U I L T B Y A G O L D M I N E

2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0

• TO U R S • CO N C E R TS • T H E AT R E •

• R E S TO R AT I O N • H I S TO RY • E V E N TS •

Phoe

be A

pper

son

Hea

rst,

1914

2 3

HISTORY. COMMUNITY. ARTS.This is a building built by the Homestake Gold Mine in 1914,

built for the quality of life of the Lead community and their families for recreation, arts, and culture. This legacy continues today in

PRESERVATION, PERFORMING ARTS, AND PRESENTATIONS. The building is lovingly owned and operated by the Historic Homestake Opera House Society,

a 501(c)3 nonprofit that returns the building to productive use for the enrichment of the region through arts, culture, and educational opportunities.

Support is provided in part by several generous donors, including our annual HHOH members, the City of Lead, and the Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation.

The HHOH is an equal opportunity provider & employer.

4 5

Top: The interior of the Historic Homestake Opera House theater, circa 1920s. Above: The elaborate

exterior of the Historic Homestake Opera House and Recreation Building, circa 1920s. Above, right:

The heated indoor swimming pool, circa 1920s. Right: The Phoebe Apperson Hearst library housed on

the second floor, circa 1950s. These photos and more can be found in the new

Interpretive Center on the second floor in the location of the former library during events and tours.

The Homestake Opera House & Recreation Building was constructed in Lead (“Leed”) in 1914 by the Homestake Mining Company. It was a visionary architectural and cultural gift to the City of Lead from then-owner of the Homestake Gold Mine, Phoebe Hearst (1842-1919). Hearst cared deeply about arts, culture, and education for the immigrant gold miners and their families she and her husband George employed. The facility was built on Lead’s Main Street with a library, a 1,000-seat world-class theater, a heated indoor swimming pool, social hall, and a bowling alley. The Opera House opened in 1914. It was the heart of the mining town for more than 70 years. While the mine grew to be the largest in the Western Hemisphere, the Opera House provided community recreation and world-class cultural events. Mrs. Hearst shipped books and newspapers to Lead’s library from more than 70 countries so the immigrant miners and their families could enjoy a book printed in their native language. The theater hosted daily silent films featuring such stars as Charlie Chaplin, Theda Bara, Will Rogers, and Gloria Swanson. Evening entertainment included innumerable vaudeville and stock theater companies. Opera itself often took center stage, bringing Carmen, Cleopatra, and Il Trovatore to Lead. `The Opera House truly offered something for everyone featuring wrestling and boxing matches, and hosting billiard and bowling tournaments. During the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918, the building was converted into an emergency hospital. The famous Wurlitzer Organ was installed in 1929. Hailed as the equivalent of

a 25-piece orchestra, the organ accompanied silent films. In 1930, the theater was renovated to accommodate talking picture equipment, and several changes over the next decade kept the facility at the forefront of entertainment. But in 1984, the theater portion of the building was nearly destroyed by fire – and it sat empty for 11 years. It was then privately purchased from the City of Lead in 1995 by Lead native Jerry Aberle, a Homestake engineer, and planning for restoration and structural improvements began. A nonprofit organization was formed in 1998 and raised $3 million over the course of 5 years. During that time, reconstruction of the stage and theater floors and restoration of the foyers and lobby took place.

A THEATER BUILT BY A GOLD MINE

6 7

Above: The Interpretive Exhibit is a creative second-floor exhibit for all ages to enjoy. It showcases the building in its heyday – and what’s to come. Students tour all year round with our Field Trips program in partnership with the Black Hills Mining Museum and the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center.

For Enjoyment, Performance,Entertainment!

Meeting ursday evenings at 7 pmRapid City Performing Arts Center

(South entrance. Access from 5th Street)Contact: 605-646-3084

www.shrineofdemocracychorus.org

From 2009 to 2011, many updates were completed in the building including new windows, fire safe doors, updated sound system, and heated floors. The courtyard was resurfaced, and the women’s lounge completed. Fundraising and programming continued to expand, and in 2013 the golden murals were restored near the ceiling of the foyer. In 2014 on the 100th Anniversary of the building, the original water fountain was reinstalled, and the cloakroom and the men’s lounge and smoking room were restored. The two original cherub sculptures were returned to their previous location near the stage, and $150,000 was raised for the architectural plans (currently in development) for restoration and renovation of the entire theater and stage. In 2015, the wood floors in the former library space on the second floor were restored to their beautiful

Former Homestake Gold Mine employees were trained in the lost art of historic plasterwork and completed the restoration of the lobbies. An elevator and restrooms were added to the former billiards hall area, and a basement floor was installed over the pool area to create offices and a conference center. The space is used now for meetings, seminars, and presentations and also houses the HHOH Society nonprofit organization, who bought the building in 2005 and continues to operate and restore the facility today. In 2008, the first community theatre production in 25 years took the stage, celebrated by the renewed Gold Camp Players, establishing a thriving theatre program in Lead. This work continues today with musicals, dramas, comedies, and children’s productions year-round.

8 9

original Douglas fir to make way for the new Interpretive Center exhibit that opened in May 2016. The walls of the historic theater have been restored and replaced in the last two years, and now showcase original and replica sconce lighting. In 2019, an expanded staff is working to diversify programs, work with TSP, Inc. to complete design drawings and

move forward in the restoration process with a team from Ainsworth Benning Construction. Please call and schedule an official tour of the whole building, including the Interpretive Center and the swimming pool. Thank you for your support of economic development though the performing arts and historic preservation. THIS PLACE MATTERS! •

10 11

Events listed as of April 2019. Check our website for updated schedules. Tickets and information is available online or by calling the HHOH office at 605-584-2067. Visit us at HomestakeOperaHouse.org.

GCP = Gold Camp Players Community Theatre

May 3 – GCP – “Oliver!” Spring Musical – 7 pmMay 4 – GCP – “Oliver!” Spring Musical – 7 pmMay 5 – GCP – “Oliver!” Spring Musical – 2 pmMay 10 – GCP – “Oliver!” Spring Musical – 7 pmMay 11 – GCP – “Oliver!” Spring Musical – 7 pmMay 12 – GCP – “Oliver!” Spring Musical – 2 pm - Mother’s DayJune 8 – Brandon Jones band - live music concertJuly 13 - Sanford Lab Neutrino Day - Free Science FestivalJuly 19 - Northern Hills Community Band concert with 70 musiciansJuly 25 - Red Willow Band 45th Anniversary Reunion Concert with Albert & Gage,

featuring Tom Petersen - Reserved seating only. Purchase tickets early.September 21 - Concert event to be announcedOctober 3-6 - SD Festival of Books, Authors Reception, Children’s PresentationsOctober 19-20 - Children’s Theatre PlayNovember 15 Friday – GCP – Fall Community Theatre Show - 7 pmNovember 16 Saturday – GCP – Fall Community Theatre Show - 7 pmNovember 17 Sunday – GCP – Fall Community Theatre Show – 2 pmNovember 22 Friday – GCP – Fall Community Theatre Show – 7 pmNovember 23 Saturday – GCP – Fall Community Theatre Show – 7 pmNovember 24 Sunday – GCP – Fall Community Theatre Show – 2 pmDec. 4-5 - Festival of Trees, Lead & Deadwood Chambers Mixer, Santa,

food, music, and auctions - Admission by donationDec. 14-15 - 10th Annual Black Hills Cowboy Christmas Concerts & Dance, 3

performances - Reserved seating only. Purchase tickets early.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF COMMUNITY

THEATRE!

2019 EVENTS SCHEDULEThank you to our Restaurant Partners in Lead & Deadwood!

Buy 1, Get 1 WINE or BEER(domestic) in our Hangar 7 Bar!

BlackstoneLodgeHotel.com605-584-2000

Lead, SD

12 13

Become A MemberMEMBERS have a special interest in this beloved building, and are financial supporters who give on an ANNUAL basis. This funding assists in year-round music and theatre programming for the community, restoration project funding, and operations. Annual memberships are good for one year on the anniversary of sign-up date. MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:Ambassador $5,000+ Producer $2,500+ Director $1,000+ Conductor $500+ Choreographer $250+ Stage Manager $100+

EVERY DONATION – NO MATTER THE SIZE –GREATLY HELPS IMPROVE THE BUILDING, AND SUPPORTS MUSIC & THEATER OPPORTUNITIES.

The Historic Homestake Opera House

Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Financial donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID: 41-1901385.

BENEFITS:- Tax-deductible contribution- Nominate candidates to the board - One vote per membership to select the board - Discounted tickets to several events- Discounted theater rental for hosting events- Recognition in print and online- Invitation to special events

Annual events hosted in the theater draw crowds from nearby cities and states. Favorite shows include The Black Hills Opry, Red Willow Band Reunion Concert, the Black Hills Cowboy Christmas concerts and dance, and the Sanford Lab Neutrino Day. The SD Festival of Books Authors Reception is held every other year. The theater currently seats 500 including the balcony. When completed, the theater will seat 780.

StressReliefSpa.com

Book

let 2

019-

2020

DONATION FORM - MAKE A DIFFERENCEYES – I want to be a part of this exciting MOMENTUM to this nonprofit!

Please fill out this form and turn in at the lobby, or mail to PO Box 412, Lead, SD 57754. ASK US ABOUT OUR ENDOWMENT.

Amount of Donation: $______________

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________ First Name Last Name

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address City State Zip

Daytime phone: _______________________________ E-mail: _______________________________________________

DONATE BY PHONE: 605-584-2067. DONATE ONLINE: HomestakeOperaHouse.orgDONATE BY CHECK: Homestake Opera House with a memo. DONATE BY CREDIT CARD:

Credit card account #________________________________________ Exp. date: _________ VISA MasterCard Discover American Express

Please use my gift where it fits best Theater Restoration/Planning

Other:_______________________

Donation right now

Ambassador $5,000+Producer $2,500+ Director $1,000+ Conductor $500+ Choreographer $250+ Stage Manager $100+

New Member Renew my Membership

LE

VE

LS

Membership

P E R F O R M I N G A R T S • P R E S E N T A T I O N S • P R E S E R V A T I O N

Support music, theatre, and operations all year round and receive voting rights, get discounted tickets, and more.

Support special projects, long- and short-term restoration goals, or leave a Legacy Gift.

Members help the Opera

House thrive all year round.

14 15

ENDOWMENT FUNDTHE ENDOWMENT FUND provides support for the future – for generations to come. This fund has reached nearly $35,000 that will help to create a sustainable future for this organization, and is managed by Black Hills Area Community Foundation. To donate, visit our website or mail a check directly to: BHACF c/o HHOH, PO Box 231, Rapid City, SD, 57709.

BENEFITS:- Tax-deductible contribution- Provides HHOH sustainability- Be part of the success of one of South Dakota’s finest historic buildings

SAVE YOUR LYNN’S DAKOTAMART RECEIPTS – After buying groceries or gas at DakotaMart, drop off receipts at our office in the back of the building. For every $10k in receipts, we receive $100 to our Endowment Fund! •

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND for individuals, families, businesses, and service organizations to donate time and talent as tickets, greeters, popcorn makers, costumes, props, and light and sound. Forms are available at the ticket booth, or online. Get public recognition for your group. Have fun while serving community. Meet new people

through networking, and be a part of the success! A fun way to volunteer individually or with your friends, coworkers, or family is by giving tours in the summer or helping out by greeting visitors during events. Call for more information, or to get a better understand of what’s needed for help behind the scenes with your experience. •

VOLUNTEER

In 2017, HHOH “legends” (above) Thomas Grier (Don Mack); Phoebe Hearst (Carla Blomberg); and Chris Schirber (top, right) helped out at the Opera House for tours. Want to get involved? Give us a call at 605-584-2067.

This pharmacy is independently owned and operated under a license from Health Mart Systems, Inc.

Vilas Pharmacy in Lead offers competitive prescription pricing and will match or beat prices of any other retail pharmacy, including all national pharmacy chains. We offer quality personalized pharmacy services to all our patients and we accept most pharmacy insurance plans, including Medicaid.

Effective June 1st - new more convenient location in Dakotamart-Ace hardware complex

1 4 5 G L E N DA L E D R L E A D, S D 5 7 7 5 4

6 0 5 . 7 1 7. 24 9 6

V I L AS P H A R M AC I ES . C O M

16 17

THEATER RESTORATION PROGRESS IN 2017, PROGRESS WAS MADE TOWARD returning the theater to its ornate appearance as it was on opening day 1914 – with exact replica plasterwork and design based on the original colors found underneath. The original plaster pieces were salvaged after the fire and were used to shape urethane molds. Jerry Aberle, former Homestake Mining Company engineer, who owned the building and headed up the restoration projects in 1999-2002 assisted in 2017 to lead a demonstration plasterwork replication project, teaching and working alongside Dennes Barrett, HHOH facility manager and former Black Hills Power serviceman, and Jerry’s son, Chad Aberle of Avid Painting, all originally from Lead. Other workers involved included Michelle Ozarowski, Kaylee Linn, Lynn Namminga, Mike Ryan, Ericka Merchant, and Tim Peterson of Flat Earth Art Co. A section of the wall has been left alone to show the remnants of the 1984 fire damage. This section helps to tell the story of discovery and recovery. The kickoff for the historic plasterwork project was made by an anonymous donation of $10,000 in honor of late SD legislator Jim Dunn, and

his wife Betty, made the south wall project possible, along with Deadwood Historic Preservation funding. Jim worked for the Homestake Mining Company for 38 years. Another $10,000 kickoff donation was made in March 2017 for the second lower wall project in memory of longtime

Left: Evergreene Restoration uncovered the original 1914 stencils in the theater. The south wall was the first plasterwork in the theater to be restored since 1984. Both lower walls are completed. Above: The state of plasterwork before painting.

Original Replication

Homestake electrical engineer and Wyodak mine manager Harold “Ed” Ross by his family, whose Homestake roots run deep. Ed’s wife, Teen, was a dancer and performed several times on the Homestake Opera House stage. Ed installed the communications system within the mine that allowed hoist operators to talk with miners in the cage. He was injured in a work-related explosion in 1946 and lost most of his

vision, but even though he was legally blind, he went on to manage the Wyodak power plant and coal mine for 25 years until retiring in 1973 and returning to his home in Lead. Another special project is the Sconce Light Project in which original theatre bronze arm light fixtures with stained glass tulip lampshades were repaired and replicated, and installed on the lower north and south walls in the theater in fall 2018.

Above: Archival image of the theater wall in 1914. Above, right: current sconces installed in the theater.

STA

TE

OF

THE

ART TECHNOLOGY & PREMIER EY

ECA

RE

Call us today to schedule your

comprehensive eye exam! 605 .578 . 1 76 1

DAVID CZERNY, O.D.JESSICA CZERNY, O.D.

KAMARIA SERFLING, O.D.88 CHARLES ST. DEADWOOD, SD 57732

18 19

This is the current state of the plasterwork angels above the stage. State of the plasterwork angels before the 1984 fire.

William Stone

THE ANGELS PROJECTHELP COMPLETE PHASE 1 OF THE THEATER ~ SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE

Main Street, Lead605-584-2740

“The Angels Project is an important milestone in South Dakota history, Lead history, and Homestake Gold Mine history,” says Sarah Carlson, HHOH executive director. “People are moved when they see the theater’s changes because of the demonstration plasterwork wall projects, and experiencing that emotion is a real reward for all of us.” The Homestake Opera House organization is working with TSP, Inc., an engineering firm from Rapid City, SD and Ainsworth Benning Construction. The Angel Project plans include restoration of the angels and opening of the stage (proscenium) and also a sprinkler system and HVAC to protect audiences and to safeguard the historic preservation work completed thus far. You can help to return the angels to their original splendor. Gifts can be made by check, credit card, or by planned giving, or in a memorial for a loved one. For more info, contact Sarah Carlson at 605-584-2067. Work continues to make this beloved building safe, accessible, and accommodating. Several generous donors made these recent projects happen, and their names will be recognized within the building. For more info, please contact us at 605-584-2067 or online at HomestakeOperaHouse.org.•