Over its history, MOH became a popular spot for political rallies, concerts, lectures, plays, and social events, as well as a meeting place for the GAR. A Living Memorialįor 129 years, the Memorial Opera House has served as a community gathering space consistent with the original intent of the GAR and Drapier who wanted "to do something for our home town rather than having the town do something for us." On November 27, 1893, the Memorial Hall was formally dedicated. By November 11, the building was serving as the headquarters for the Chaplain Brown Post, but also as a center to bring people together and strengthen community bonds. The outcome of the community's efforts was the construction and dedication of the Memorial Hall, which was completed on November 8, 1893. Lembke designed the nearly 40,000 square foot building. Valparaiso resident and architect Charles F. With the amended law in place, Porter County Commissioners also donated to the cause, including funds and the land where the hall was to be built.Īs a matter of record, the Commissioners included a statement in their minutes that the building "shall be forever and perpetually a memorial to the soldiers and sailors of the late war." As to ownership, the building was to be owned by the local GAR Chaplain Brown Post until "after the last member of the GAR shall have passed on, the building shall become the property of the county, to be always maintained as a monument to the Veterans of the Civil War." Money was raised in a variety of ways, from formal campaigns to dinners, fairs, and sales hosted by The Women's Relief Corps, an official auxiliary unit of the GAR. The Act was amended in March of 1891.Īround the same time, members of the GAR, along with their families and friends, were hard at work collecting funds. So, a delegation of Chaplain Brown Post members proceeded to Indianapolis to seek changes to the Act of 1865 to allow county funds to be spent on the construction of a memorial hall that would serve the entire community. They wanted to do something else, but an Act established in 1865 by the Indiana legislature only allowed county governments to spend funds for monuments. Do you?"ĭrapier's speech swayed fellow GAR members into believing that a simple monument, which was very common in communities across Indiana and the rest of the United States, was not appropriate in Porter County. "Who wants to cross the square every day and see his own name sticking out accusingly at him, saying some citizens got bilked out of a pair of silver dollars for that name plate? Personally, I refuse to stand by and see the citizens bled in the name of patriotism. We want to do something for our home town rather than have the town do something for us," said Drapier. All we want is to find a place in the community and fill it acceptably. At this meeting, an inspiring speech was given by Porter County resident James Drapier, one of many looking to honor those in the community who served during the Civil war in a way greater than a common monument or statue. 106 of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a Civil War veteran's organization. The Opera House’s story began in 1890 during a meeting for the Valparaiso Chaplain Brown Post No. Porter County's beloved and historical Memorial Opera House (MOH) is hoping to see some major upgrades soon with proposed plans to rehabilitate and renovate the landmark building while honoring the intent of the Civil War veterans by preserving it as a living, breathing memorial.
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