A Good Time Was Had By All!

Well, we more than survived it!  After hours of preparing the room, borrowing the stage (thanks Mike and Cordova), doing run-throughs, and dodging a last minute monsoon, the Saggy Bottom Boys and the Chickletts brought the house down with laughter. 

I didn't get to see most of the show, but I know that at one point Elvis took the stage (apparently he's not dead afterall), and I was privy to 3 grown men (aka the Saggy Bottom Boys) galloping around on stage, whipping each other in the fanny, one wielding a pink pistol (not sure, don't ask), while the largest man of the bunch belted out "RAWHIDE"!  Every time we peeked in to see what was happening, faces were beaming, and laughter was loud.

A great meal, by Friend Historical Society volunteers, was provided, as was catering by Chere Tuttle.  Everyone raved about the pulled pork and the awesome baked beans.  A truly good ol' fashioned evening of laughter was the perfect ending to the event.

We are thrilled to report that the fundraiser was not only a comical success, but a financial one as well for the Society.  It is donated efforts, like this one, that make for great entertainment and a great kick in the pants for the Society, as we continue to work toward renovation on the street level, and hope to move upstairs, to begin restoration on the Opera House.  Until then, we keep or resident Opera House ghost, Mr. Frog Winslow abreast of our goings on, and we have no doubt he was peering down through the floor joists above for a bit of his own laughing.

We can't thank Thee Stromsburg Review enough for your kindness and generosity.  We will hope to see you again, on the stage in the San Carlo Room, very soon!

Ta... Da!  Well done team!

Let The Show Begin!

The Saggy Bottom Boys and the Chickletts have taken the stage for their run-thru... and it's about SHOWTIME!  The Historical Society is enjoying a huge showing of support as we prepare to welcome more than 100 people to the SHOW!

If you're missing tonight's event, we'll hope to see you soon.  Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

Break a Leg!

San Carlo is ready for action!

Ready to welcome guests!

The food line is waiting

Tables for MORE THAN 100!

Rubber Chicken and a beautiful player piano!  Beautiful music together!

Welcome to the San Carlo Room & Warren Opera House Blog!

Hello Friends!

It's time to kick the promotion of San Carlo into high gear!  As you know, we have an amazing facility that has been the outstanding effort of many volunteers from Friend and even one or two from Dorchester.  Since July 2009, when we cracked into the west wall, which is now the SAN CARLO wall for displaying our historic sign, we have come a million miles and spent thousands of dollars to renovate this historic building.  There have been many trials and tribulations and surely there are more to come, but WOW, what an effort, and what an asset the building has become to Friend.

This first of its kind "mini-mall" is once again connected and divided only by doors.  Once home to a grocery store, shoe store, variety store, farm supply shop, woodworker's shop and many other things, and of course, for the past 83 years, the home of Yokel Hardware & Furniture, the building is once again flourishing.  The Pour House has become a destination of sorts, and has drawn wine lovers who are interested historians and curious opera house buffs from many miles to tour our Historic Warren Opera House.  The San Carlo Room and now Welcome Center serve to host nearly 200 people at one time, providing the perfect place for weddings, celebrations, parties and dances.  And, this fall, Mary Mary Quite Contrary- A Gallery of Beautiful Things will open, serving as an art gallery in the front of the suite, and an additional tasting room and private gathering space in the rear.  Together, all of these buildings and businesses make for a grand opportunity, not only for our potential renters, but for our community.  The Blog will provide links to the local businesses that are "friends" to the San Carlo Room. Unfortunately, some of our outstanding volunteers do not have websites, but they have not gone unrecognized for their contributions of time, labor and effort.  If you know of others that should be linked, let me know!

The Friend Historical Society and volunteers who pitch in, shovel plaster, mop floors and say good things are to be commended.  Ours is a unique and wonderful opportunity.

I will be updating this blog, from time to time, letting everyone know the status of construction, what's happening at the building, and if anything remarkable is taking place in our day to day efforts.  I hope you will join in and comment on this great project, and of course, continue to support the Society and the Warren Building!



Billy & Nora Scheidt in front of the Scheidt Shoe Store circa 1910



The Warren Building as it looks today

On behalf of the Friend Historical Society, and until next time...