Calumet Theatre Chandelier Society Gains Support Locally and Regionally

Over one hundred years ago the Calumet Theatre had another proud piece of beauty to admire. Aside from its intricately designed pillars, and molding, the two-story Renaissance revival building had a chandelier hanging inside. It was lost to a fire in 1918 and has since been lost to time as no photo can be found. In the past year, a group of Calumet Theatre members and residents organized the Calumet Theatre Chandelier Society to restore the central glistening piece and beauty to the theater.

The only thing that remains of it, and it is, it may be, but there’s no concrete proof, is one tiny copper leaf. So we’re trying to restore this to an appropriate period. And so we raised a good amount of money last year. And it continued throughout the winter. Leading to what will be our second event on July 6th. – Jim Enretti, Acting Chairperson, Calumet Theatre Chandelier Society

Last year the Chandelier Society held its first fundraising effort that included a dinner, and was held in collaboration with Jim Enretti and the World Most Dangerous Polka band’s 75th anniversary. Enretti says that the upcoming society dinner and concert on Saturday have gained a lot of support.

We have people coming from Florida. We have people from Wisconsin, Minnesota, downstate Michigan, et cetera. So it’s not just the local community that has discovered, again, the benefit of having that beautiful facility in Calumet. People with ties and some people who have never been here before came up last year. First time visiting the Calumet area and the theater so it’s been good for everyone. – Jim Enretti, Acting Chairperson, Chandelier Society

The chandelier society fundraising dinner and concert organizers say a limited number of tickets will become available this week. Those interested in learning more about the chandelier society, and wish to join or make a donation to the beautification efforts can find more details online. Entretti also asks anyone who believes they may have a photo of the chandelier from 1918 inside the Calumet Theatre to contact the society.