In 1918 the Calumet Theatre lost a jewel to a fire. Now more than 100 years later a chandelier will restore a shining light to Calumet. This weekend the Calumet Theatre’s chandelier society will celebrate a grand accomplishment and unveil the chandelier the community helped support.
The big day will come before the community knows it. But Calumet won’t want to miss the Calumet Theatre installing a new chandelier in the space. Over 100 years ago the original glistening piece of artwork was lost in a fire. In 2023, a group of theatre members formed a new committee to support an installation project.
Again, we raised some money. We got some large gifts, some very small gifts, everything appreciated. Then along in the fall of 24, the Q and A Health Foundation gave us a gift of $15,000. – Jim Enrietti, member of Chandelier society
Jim Enrietti helped lead the chandelier society to plan its first fundraising gala two years ago. Even performed during the gala concert with his famous polka band. He remembers playing at the theatre when he was young and wants to see the site inspire more artists in the region.
Jumped in to donate time, money, gifts, and requests. The chandelier catalyzed a rejuvenation of a positive attitude towards the theater. Just this past week, my wife was talking to a person who watched a feature, a television feature on the theater, and she lives nearby and said, I had no idea of all of this going on. So the Chandler Society has, without intent, helped to make people aware of what we really have here. – Jim Enrietti, member, chandelier society
Now that the chandelier will hang in the theater, the board of directors will shift its focus to other renovation projects. A point of pride for the theatre’s members, staff, and volunteers, is the Calumet Theatre’s commitment to a period-centric space.
And this last winter, last, sorry, last fall, we just finished remodeling our projector room, which had been a tech booth for the last 50 years. And in the future, we have many other projects lined up. The first and foremost, I believe, should be replacing the fire escape, which is dilapidated, and actually the second balcony, the third floor was removed in 1961. – Reese White, technical director, Calumet Theatre
Tickets for the chandelier installation and raising will cost 60 dollars. The evening will include dinner, a ceremony, and music. The chandelier society dinner will begin when doors open at 4;30 on Saturday. Learn more about the Calumet Theatre and Chandelier Society online.
The Calumet Theatre only has a few ticket remaining for the dinner and unveiling. Those interested in attending the event on Saturday should check out the \ for details for call the box office at (906) 337-2610.
