Andrew Pinard/Claremont Opera House
On June 22nd, the Claremont Opera House (COH) will celebrate its 125th
anniversary since the building was dedicated in 1897. To mark the occasion, the COH is publishing a commemorative book about the early years of arts and entertainment in Claremont. The anniversary committee, composed of representatives from the City of Claremont, Fiske Free Library, Claremont Historical Society, Off Broad Street Players and the COH, have been working with the oral histories recorded in 1980 to create a printed version of some of their stories.
Stage Whispers — A Living History, Retold will be released on June 25th during a celebration event. The book is based on the 1980 oral history project, which is a collection of 41 interviews with 51 former Claremont residents, recorded on cassette tape with a published index of summaries. Ten of those interviewed whose stories fit the book’s theme of arts and entertainment were selected to be included in the book. They include:
Elizabeth Bell (1885-1989) recalls attending the 1897 dedication with her mother.
Earl Bourdon (1917-1993) remembers local and world class sports at the town hall.
Frank Bush (1902-1996) describes Claremont’s renowned music reputation.
Charles Chandler (1906-1995) shares stories about working for the COH manager.
Mable Cutting (1910-1998) describes Stevens baccalaureate on the COH stage.
Bertha Emond (1916-1991) recalls movies and vaudeville at the many theaters.
Albert D. Leahy Sr. (1903-1994) shares stories about entertainment at local parks.
Paul Mason (1897-1989) recalls watching opera at the opera house.
Cynthia McKee (1915-1994) shares how the COH was saved from demolition.
Effie White (1890-1992) recalls an elephant walking down the aisle to exit the COH.
Other featured Claremont residents include Arthur Garneau, Laurina Issoire, Alice Joyal and Mildred LaPanne. When the book is released, the audio files will be made available to the public to hear all the narrators tell their stories.
Over the last 125 years, thousands of events were held within the Claremont Opera House and City Hall, while others were held at the many theaters, dance pavilions and parks around the city. “The book will remind long-time residents, and educate recent residents, about Claremont’s very special arts and entertainment past. A past filled with music, theater, culture, sports and intellectual pursuits,” said Felicia Brych Dalke, COH Board President.
This project was funded in part by a community grant from New Hampshire Humanities, which funded the writing of the book by Annalisa Parent, CEO of Laurel Elite Books in Claremont. “The Opera House is a unique asset in our community. I enjoyed both discovering and sharing more about its fabulous past, and I look forward to the community learning more about this treasure.”
Stage Whispers — A Living History, Retold is currently available for preorder at a discounted price of $20, with pick-up at the COH on or after the June 25th celebration event. Each book preorder will also receive one free ticket to the June 25th “125 Year Celebration” show featuring performances by area arts organizations including Off Broad Street Players, the Claremont American Band, and West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts.
Production of the book is supported by Claremont Custom Framing & David Putnam Photography, and Laurel Elite Books. To preorder the book, go to cohnh.org. For more information about the 125th anniversary book and show, or to sponsor this effort, please contact Felicia Brych Dalke at
ABOUT THE CLAREMONT OPERA HOUSE:
This historic performing arts venue opened in 1897 and seats 788. Performances range from concerts to plays, as well as humanities events, films, art installations and more. It is located at 58 Opera House Square in Claremont, NH on the second floor of the municipal complex directly off Broad Street Park. Information and tickets may be found at www.cohnh.org. Box office phone is 603-542-4433; admin is 603-542-0064. For more information about this press release, contact [email protected].
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