That time of the project is nearing in, crunch time. I knew it was inevitable, i knew it would be coming sooner than later, but when it finally rang the door bell I ran to the living room and hid under the couch. In similar fashion you would when you see a stranger approach your front door with the obvious intent of trying to sell you something. I took a deep breathe and realized that if this project was going to get completed I'd have to get up from under the couch. After all, we have had some interesting interviews, and tours taken recently. We sat down with Arnold Stadheim, who is the owner of the Stadheim Jeweler franchise in the area. Mr. Stadheim was an interesting interview with his insight after being a longtime business man in the community. He actually started in the Freeborn National Bank building, I have a pic to show in this blog of him with the original jewelry stand that laid in the lobby of that building. The screw holes still lay in the tile of the vacant building. Another interesting portion of this project was done last monday. I took a tour and interview of the old opera house downtown, with the current building owner Suzanne Crane. That building is the red brick building that currently houses the Albert Lea Art Center. When it was built, it was built for a world renown opera singer named Beatrice, and her husband built this grand opera house and conservatory for her in little known Albert Lea, MN around the turn of the 19th century. The opera house is pretty far removed from what it once looked like, but the upstairs housing rooms for the traveling singers and performers still stands and emanates it's history. This opera house has an incredible romantic story to it, and in due time (aka "Buildings of Broadway") it's story will be shared. This piece in my opinion has incredible enduring value that many residents older as younger may not truly know about, with that being said I am glad that a project like ours is being made.
We are closing in on finishing the filming process, but as the editing becomes more of the concern I am confident the record button the camera will be turned on once again. As all projects go, you can plan for how you want the project to go, but the unforeseeable is what you have to manage. Patience is a virtue and perseverance is a necessity. Hope you all have a wonderful Halloween and be safe. Enjoy a few of the photos we received lately. Take care, and cheers.
This is Beatrice, the opera singer that the Rivioli/Art Center building was built for.
Although the auditorium is in a disarray, the projectionist room still houses the projector, and old film reels when the opera house turned into a movie theatre.
Here is Arnold Stadheim when his jewelry shop was in the lobby of the "Vault" building or also called the Freeborn National Bank Building.
