Delphi woman helps restore opera house

DELPHI, Ind. (WLFI) - In this week's Helen Magazine segment, we take you to Delphi where one woman is helping turn back the hands of time.

Drive around the courthouse square in Delphi, and you may fail to notice this historic landmark. But if Anita Werling, and the Delphi Preservation Society have it their way, the Delphi Opera House will once again be a destination for art, music, and culture.

"I've always loved its architecture. It has such a rich architecture history, particularly for a small town of its size. We have fewer than 3,000 people, in a county of fewer than 20,000 people and to have this rich resource," Werling said.

The Opera House was built in 1865 but closed in 1914. It went largely ignored and was used for storage. But Werling said in its heyday, it was a cultural hub--hosting music and literary greats.

"There were people here from Lafayette, Logansport, from all around the area and throughout the history of the opera house space, it was a draw," she said.

Little by little, with volunteers, donations, grant money and a whole lot dedication, they are making progress. The plan is to have restoration completed by 2016.

"We're looking at close to $3 million or more to restore the building and the opera house," Werling said.

When Werling looks out the opera house windows, she said she envisions a resurgence of culture, arts and entertainment along the courthouse square. She said the City of Delphi blossomed because of the canals and later because of the railroads. And, now she is hopeful it can thrive once again.

"And now we have the Hoosier Heartland coming and so you know hopefully we can be optimistic again about our connections with other centers," she said.

For more information on the Delphi Opera House click here .