Most Endangered Property of 2004 Lost
Posted by CC on September 27th, 2010 8:43 am
When the Columbia Opera House in Correctionville was listed as one of Iowa’s Most Endangered Properties of 2004, the nomination indicated it was structurally sound and simply needing repair. Sadly, much of the building collapsed last Tuesday, September 21, falling onto Fifth Street, which runs along the front of the building. The property owners, Gary and Becky Bollmeyer, used the century-old building as their home. Thankfully, they were uninjured in the collapse. According to some news accounts, the Bollmeyers hope to salvage what’s left of the building.
The Most Endangered nomination indicated the Opera House was the social center of Correctionville, featuring appearances by President Taft and Lawrence Welk. As with many opera houses built around the turn of the last century, it also was home to local dances, meetings, movies, and high school graduations. The stage was located on the second floor and various local businesses settled into the first floor storefront over the years.
To find out more, go to: www.southwestiowanews.com
