Nestled in the heart of Calumet, Michigan, the Calumet Theatre is a landmark that has stood the test of time. Located at 340 Sixth Street, this historic theatre has been known by many names. The Calumet Opera House, Calumet Civic Auditorium and of course Calumet Theatre. No matter what you call it, its legacy is undeniably rich. It has been part of the town’s cultural fabric since it opened its doors in 1900. Today, it’s not just a theatre, it is a symbol of a bygone era. A Time when Calumet thrived as a copper mining hub, and theatre was the height of entertainment.
A Step Back in Time
At the turn of the 20th century, Calumet was booming, thanks to the thriving Calumet and Hecla Mining Company. With prosperity came the desire for high-class entertainment, and the idea of a grand opera house took root. Local architect Charles K. Shand was tasked with designing a space that could do justice to the town’s ambitions, while Chicago interior designer William Eckert brought the inside to life with a stunning crimson, gold, and ivory color scheme. When the theatre opened on March 20, 1900, it did so in style, with a Broadway touring production of *The Highwayman*.
Over the years, the theatre attracted some of the biggest names in show business. Legends like Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Lon Chaney, and even Frank Morgan—who would later find fame as the Wizard in *The Wizard of Oz*—all graced its stage. But as times changed, so did the theatre. By the late 1920s, with the rise of motion pictures and a struggling local economy, the theatre pivoted to showing movies.
Revival and Restoration
In the 1950s, live performances made a comeback at the Calumet Theatre, with summer stock theatre becoming a popular fixture. And while the stage may have gone quiet at times, the building itself remained a symbol of the town’s resilience. In 1975, to celebrate the centennial of Calumet, the theatre underwent a significant restoration. The exterior received another facelift in the late 1980s.
In 1983, the Calumet Theatre Company was founded as a non-profit organization, ensuring the preservation of the theatre and its continued operation. The theatre now hosts a variety of events—from theatre performances to concerts—welcoming around 18,000 visitors each year.
A Peek Inside
The theatre itself is a beauty. Built in the Renaissance Revival style, the two-story building is constructed from yellowish-brown brick and sits on a Jacobsville sandstone foundation. It boasts a copper roof and ornate copper cornices. A porte-cochère shelters one entrance, and the building’s clock tower adds to its old-world charm.
Inside, the theatre originally held 1,200 seats, though today it accommodates about 700 after the second balcony was closed and a movie projection booth was added. The interior is just as breathtaking as it was when it first opened, with five murals adorning the proscenium arch.
Haunted History
No historic theatre would be complete without a few ghost stories. According to legend, the ghost of Madame Helena Modjeska, a renowned actress who performed at the theatre, still lingers. The tale first surfaced in 1958 when actress Adysse Lane claimed that Modjeska’s spirit appeared to her during a performance when she had forgotten her lines. Since then, visitors have reported unexplained music and sudden drafts of cold air.
The theatre’s connection to the tragic Italian Hall Disaster in 1913, which claimed 73 lives on Christmas Eve, has only added to its haunted reputation. The theatre was used as a temporary morgue and was where the inquest was held. In 2019, the Calumet Theatre was featured on the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places, further cementing its eerie allure.
Today’s Theatre Experience
Today, the Calumet Theatre is more than just a building; it’s a gathering place for the arts, culture, and community. Whether you’re catching a performance, attending a local meeting, or taking a guided tour, the theatre offers a unique glimpse into Michigan’s past. As part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park’s Heritage Sites, the Calumet Theatre remains a vital part of Calumet’s story.
If you ever find yourself in the Upper Peninsula, take a trip to Calumet, and step into this magnificent theatre—it’s a journey through time you won’t forget. Just be prepared for the possibility of a ghostly encounter with a legendary actress!
