Blazing Star Grange’s Historic Stage Curtains Re-Rigged and Back in Place

Showcase of restored scenery set for September 6

July 16, 2014 • Saved under Other Organizations
Press release
Hanging the Garden Scene, one of four major panels to be restored this summer, are Mickey McIver, Richard Hodgeson, Dick Hill, Chris Hadsel, and Don Clay. Photo: Judith Kuchner
Hanging the Garden Scene, one of four major panels to be restored this summer, are Mickey McIver, Richard Hodgeson, Dick Hill, Chris Hadsel, and Don Clay. Photo: Judith Kuchner

On Sunday, July 13, several volunteers were on hand to mount scaffolding and climb ladders to re-rig and re-hang the recently restored hand-painted stage curtains in the Blazing Star Grange Hall in Danbury.

The complete set of stage scenery, painted by Egbert Foster in 1921, has been in place for over 90 years and was in need of cleaning and repair. Curtains Without Borders, a Vermont-based non-profit headed by Chris Hadsel, worked for the last two weeks, with the help of local volunteers, to carefully remove dirt and repair tears in the fabric of four curtains, five teasers (valances), and many “ears” or side pieces.

Through musical fundraisers and grants, the committee reached their goal of $20,000, which covers the cost of preserving the scenery as well as providing upgrades to the immediate physical environment.

The final stage of the conservation, called “in-painting,” will be done over the next few weeks with the curtains and side pieces in place.

The Grange is planning to showcase its renovated scenery at the 100th Blazing Star Grange Fair that will take place on Saturday, September 6, in Danbury.