Concordia, KS– The Brown Grand Opera House, Inc. will soon be making renovations to the Ladies Parlor thanks to a generous lead gift of $20,000 from the Marjorie and Larry Lundberg Trust. It has been nearly 50 years since the Brown Grand’s major restoration in the mid-1970s, and thanks to this donation, the Ladies Parlor will be able to have several features renovated.
Marjorie and Larry Lundberg were enthusiastic advocates for the arts and frequently attended events at the Brown Grand – often sitting in the same seats. The couple loved having an arts and cultural facility right here in Concordia. Niece Ora Lee Jeardoe said Marjorie attended events at the Theatre with her friends and the Red Hat Society on a regular basis.
Renovation plans for the Ladies Parlor include removal of the carpet, installation of hardwood floors, repairing the plaster walls, painting, wallpapering, reupholstering the furniture, and more. This room is where the women would have gathered in the early 1900s to wait for their escorts to park their carriage or vehicle and purchase tickets before entering the theatre for a performance. It was intended to be a grand waiting room, one to make an impression on all those who used it. The Theatre aims to return it to this style of room in this renovation process. This contribution will also enable the Brown Grand to renovate two restroom doors on the main floor of the Theatre. The projects are slated to start this spring.
Brown Grand Director, Melissa Swenson says, “We are beyond thankful for this incredible gift to renovate the Ladies Parlor – especially during our 115th season. I hope others will consider making gifts to the Brown Grand when making their estate plans. It is a remarkable way to leave a legacy and to make an impact for future generations.” In addition to this lead gift, there have been other donations to help support this endeavor, including funds from the Rose Heinen Memorial and others.
If you are interested in including the Brown Grand in your estate plans, please contact Melissa Swenson at 785-243-2553.
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About The Brown Grand Opera House, Inc. – Established in 1907, currently celebrating 115 years, the Brown Grand Theatre is dedicated to enhancing cultural life in North Central Kansas. As a vibrant, majestic opera house, The Theatre hosts dozens of local organizations and brings live entertainment to the area for everyone to enjoy. Events and performances take place year-round and all are invited to visit our historic venue. To see a schedule of upcoming events, to rent the space, and to join our mailing list please visit www.browngrand.org or call 785-243-2553. Follow us on Facebook at “Brown Grand Theatre” and on Twitter @BrownGrand1907.
