U.S.–Quebec opera house threatened
People from Canada and the U.S. are raising money to save a unique performance space and library that straddles the international border between Vermont and Quebec.
The 105-year-old Haskell Free Library and Opera House is shared by residents of Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont.
The Canadian, U.S. and Quebec governments have all designated the Haskell a historical site, but now its supporters say it's in dire financial straights after heavy rains damaged it this spring.
"That night there was so much rain, the volume was incredible," said a volunteer repairman at the theatre, Rick Gosselin.
Gosselin said the entire box office was flooded when the ceiling of the building — constructed in 1904 — caved in during a rain storm.
It's the latest hard knock for the late Victorian and neo-Classical architectural example that lost most of its endowment fund when the stock market took a heavy downturn a few years ago.
"A flash mob because we had a flash flood in the box office, because the water got behind the flashing," she said.
Last week, residents from both communities and local musicians who volunteered their time and talents gathered for a benefit concert.
Leimer expects it will take some time and good fortune to get the Haskell back on its feet.
"It's going to [cost] more than what we originally anticipated but maybe there will be some other fundraisers or if we're really lucky someone who really cares and is willing to donate some time and material," said Leimer.
The neo-classical building has pristine wooden seats, plaster cherubs, and a black line on the floor of the theatre to mark the international border. Benefactors the Haskell family thought the theatre would contribute to education and cultural life on both sides of the border.
Amid the fund-raising concerts, a local theatre group is rehearsing for a production of The 39 Steps later this month and a touring production of Hairspray is scheduled to come later in the summer.