11/29/2009 10:57:00 PM
Restoration uncovers intact 1920s Elks marquee
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Courtesy photo
Recent demolition work on the entrance to the Elks Opera House revealed the intact 1920s-era marquee, including the sockets for the bulbs that highlighted the old sign. |
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Sharlot Hall Museum/Courtesy photo
Plans are in the works to restore the marquee of the downtown Elks Opera House to its historic look, similar to this 1927-to-1933-era photo. |
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PRESCOTT - Fortunately for the Elks Opera House, the workmen of days-gone-by usually took the most expedient route in their renovations.
"They tended to just add things, and they didn't subtract," local architect Bill Otwell said of the construction work that occurred through the years on the 1905 Elks building.
Otwell speculates that the add-on tactic was simply the easiest way for workers to get the job done, rather than an attempt toward preservation.
Even so, it is good news for the current Elks restoration - especially the marquee that sits out front.
While Otwell said he had suspected that the 1920s-era marquee might remain under the modern rockwork that decorated the Elks entryway since the 1970s, no one had any idea what condition the original structure would be in.
So, it was with some jubilation that workers recently uncovered a totally intact former marquee, complete with sockets for the traditional theater light bulbs.
"I was a little surprised - it was just in better shape than we anticipated," Otwell said this week.
For the past month, scaffolding has been in place at the Elks' Gurley Street entrance to allow for the removal of the old schist rock that workers applied in 1973 or 1974.
Even though the marquee that was underneath the rockwork is not the original 1905 entrance, Otwell explained that it was in place since the 1920s, and is therefore historic in itself.
The marquee, which includes the words "Elks Theatre," likely went up to accommodate the arrival of movies, Otwell said. It replaced the former unadorned brick entrance that was a part of the 1905 building.
The 1920s version also included a balustrade at the top - a feature that Otwell said would return with the restoration.
The restored version also will incorporate the look of the bare light bulbs that were a part of the 1920s sign.
Prescott Historic Preservation Specialist Nancy Burgess notes, however, that the original bare bulbs no longer meet safety codes, so renovators have been searching for a safer replacement.
As an alternative, Otwell said, the project would use LED bulbs, which, along with being safer, are also more energy efficient.
Along with the discovery of the intact marquee, the demolition work also uncovered the native granite that fronted the original building.
Because the long-ago workers installed a framed wood wall over the original rock, Otwell said, "It was like a time capsule."
Even as work progresses on the marquee, the restoration also continues inside on a variety of features, including the opera boxes, the proscenium arch over the stage, the balcony, and the seating.
The theater renovation plans got a major boost in 2008 when the Harold James Family Trust contributed $1 million to the Elks Opera House Foundation's efforts. The City of Prescott later allocated $308,000 for the cost of the fire-sprinkler system.
Early on, it appeared that the project would end up excluding a number of aesthetic items, because of the higher-than-expected cost of a fire-sprinkler system.
But the Elks Opera House Foundation has continued raising money for the project, and in recent weeks the contract amount has gone from the original $1.2 million to about $1.4 million, allowing for the addition of the marquee restoration.
"I'm happy that we made it all the way to the street," Otwell said, noting that without the marquee restoration, the work would have occurred largely on the interior.
Officials expect the Elks construction to be complete by April 2010.
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Posted: Thursday, December 03, 2009
Article comment by:
Doug K
A Prescott local sent me this. Here in Portland, the Oregon Journal Building has the same porcelain sign sockets that this marquee once had. It is currently illuminated at night with 1800 bare light bulb screwed directly in. I don't know what safety concerns these restorers are encountering. You could substitute screw in LEDs, but you still would use the still available so-called sign sockets, which mount behind the sheet metal, and a porcelain or plastic ring screws on from the front, around the outside of the socket, holding them in. From the picture of the marquee, it looks like the sockets are actually missing, and there are just the holes in the sheet metal. Not to worry, it's easy to install them in those holes. The lighted marquee will add a nice touch at night.
Posted: Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
I think Honky (AND Rush) need to take a hike . . . together. Over the Rim maybe. What the hey do "teabaggers" have to do with a neat retro marquee. And "Not good enough to save" . . . you're a real piece 'o work as well. What was tacky then is history now. Get over it.
Posted: Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Article comment by:
CLASSIC MOVES?
How about running some old classic moves on weekend nights for nastalga.
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Lloyd Erickson
The Elks Theatre is an amazing part of Prescott history! Restoring it with donated funds; is truly impressive! It can become a artistic and business producer; again, in the downtown region! But; exercise realism; it is but a 500-seat theatre; therefore the major commercial acts, that require high money, will not be feasible! Still, small acts; perhaps retro acts, perhaps home stuff; like the Arizona Jubilee, will produce enough income to cover operations! I spent endless hours, in the Elks Theathre, and resolved that it could benefit business in downtown Prescott! Miss you guys........... Lloyd Erickson; former Food and Beverage Director, of The Hassayampa Inn! Right across, the street! Miss ya. Prescott!!! Lloyd, in Omaha!
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Give It A Rest...I second that! Tired of seeing all the negativity on these forums, not to mention the obnoxious political statements.
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Parker Anderson
There is nothing negative in the article, nothing about spending tax money, nothing that should evoke any anger, and look what we have. I still don't understand why the words "Elks Opera House" cause some people to explode in a rage. I agree, if you can't say something nice about a positive piece of news, PLEASE do us all a favor and keep quiet for once. Give it a rest.
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Give It A Rest
Is it possible to read and article and not make a political comment about every little thing? Try sayng something positive or nothing at all for a change. Try doing it for just one day...if you can.
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Not good enough to save!
Yessiree ... that uncovered circa 1920's marquee certainly is architecturally meaningful and really exciting. Not. It was typically commonplace and inexpensive (borderline tacky) when it was completed and has not improved with age. Spend your donor's money on restoring it if you must ... but not any city money. Please!
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Rush L.
I agree---no more Teabaggers!!!
Posted: Monday, November 30, 2009
Article comment by:
Honkybrujo
No more Teabaggers!
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