The most recent project to improve the exterior of the historic Finke Theatre has been completed.
This project began with a grant from the Union Pacific Railroad, which was to be used to improve the outside of the 130-year-old building.
Since the renovations originally did not include the north side of the property, it was decided to apply the funds towards that improvement, beginning with the four windows which had long been boarded up.
The original stained glass in the upper part of the windows turned out to be present, and what's more, usable. The lower windows not only needed to be replaced, but another problem had to be solved first.
The bees had to be removed. It seems that behind one of the windows were two large beehives. The bees were active and a honeycomb was loaded with honey.
According to Carolyn Miller of Friends of the Finke, Greg Flippin safely relocated the bees and Pam Green took the honeycombs. She extracted five half-pints of honey, which was later auctioned at the Finke Theatre shows. The proceeds were applied to the project.
Even without the bees, it was not that easy. Getting the old windows out and replacing them with new ones required a bucket lift.
The new windows were painted blue, to enhance the appearance of the upper-part, stained-glass windows. Then, lights were installed below to shine upward and bring the finished windows into a better view at night.
New sidewalks were installed and old bricks and stone on the ground between the building removed. The newly-readied ground was shaped for a French Drain. The mulch and plants were put in. When the plants mature, they will provide ground cover to enhance the exterior appearance of the restored theater building.
It remains to be seen what improvements, inside and outside, may be in the works for the future.