Before the storm, this was our plan for the Town Hall/Opera House

We would like to report on the current status of the 1884 Edgerton Village Hall and Opera House.  After this building was slated to be torn down, a group of historic-minded citizens strived for preservation and eventual restoration of this important Edgerton landmark.  The Edgerton Village Council has agreed to offer this real estate to a non-profit historical organization.  The Edgerton Historical Society hopes to purchase the building at minimal cost.  Knowing that engineers have determined the building structurally sound with a straight foundation, we are moving ahead with this project.

We would like to share our vision and future plans for this historic landmark.  Our initial goal is to replace the roof.  This project will be costly but is vital to the preservation of the interior.  Our goal for the first floor is to open up the beautiful twin oak staircases leading to the opera house and balcony and also revealing the original ticket booth.  We intend to use the first floor as a historical museum with Edgerton memorabilia on display.  Our goal for the second floor opera house is to restore it to its original state.  This effort will require much work and time. Upon completion, the opera house will serve as a civic center and once again will host such activities as performances, weddings, meetings and other community functions.  Our future endeavors include repairing the bell tower and returning the bell to its original location along with making necessary repairs to the exterior bricks.

Over the years, there have been many visitors who have passed through our town who have associated this village hall/opera house with the village of Edgerton.  It is the symbol of our community.  This treasured building represents 126 years of our history, is part of our Edgerton heritage and will benefit our entire community. The town hall/opera house is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

This is an enormous project which will require a lot of coordinated effort, a great deal of hard work, and a significant amount of funds.  We have people willing to do this, but we need more volunteers.  With your generous donations and support of this preservation, we can accomplish this feat.  Our goal is to raise at least $250,000 for repairs and ongoing expenses before the building can be purchased.  Please join us in making this vision come true.  The Edgerton Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all gifts are tax deductible.  All money donated for the preservation of the town hall will be under the oversight of the Edgerton Area Foundation.  Gifts may be given as memorials and names of donors will be permanently displayed in the town hall. 

Together we can preserve the Edgerton Town Hall for future generations!

Please direct your donations to:

The Edgerton Historical Society

03375 CR 5

Edgerton, OH  43517

419 298-3122      

Email: dekrill@frontier.com       

Web: EdgertonHistoricalSociety.com

Edgerton Historical Society on Facebook

Thank you for your support.

The Edgerton Historical Society