'Anything Goes' Composer's Birthplace Renovated
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By David [email protected]
Porter, well-known for shows such as "Anything Goes" and "Kiss Me, Kate," is a Peru, Ind., native. Kubesch is helping to convert Porter's former Peru home into a museum to celebrate the famed musician.
Before Porter's birthplace was purchased in late 2004 by Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre, the home was privately owned and converted into multiple apartments. The home fell into a state of disrepair. In 2003, a clandestine methamphetamine lab was discovered by law enforcement officials in one of the upper apartments. The property eventually became the property of the Peru city tax rolls.[[In-content Ad]]The civic theater group decided to restore the Cole Porter birthplace. The intent is to restore the home to 1891 condition, make a Cole Porter museum that will be open to public, offer walk-through tours of the home, and use a portion of the home as bed and breakfast.
As a person related to Porter, Kubesch said she finds herself really caring about the project. Her father tried for 25 years to purchase the property, but had no luck. After the place was raided for a meth lab, luck changed.
Kubesch said they took the 23-room house where Porter was born and restored it from the bottom up for the past 2-1/2 years. She said they took what was the East Third Street apartment and turned it into a museum. They are working on getting significant memorabilia from Porter's life to put into the museum. Security measures will be in place to protect it.
In the short time since the June 9 dedication, Kubesch said, "You wouldn't believe the number of people interested in it." Even Peru Mayor Jim Walker is involved, serving as the committee chairman.
The dedication for the place was held on Porter's birthplace, June 9.
Even with the success and interest in the house, however, Kubesch said they could use more donations to complete it. They also are waiting on grants. The main project that remains to be completed is where the meth lab was. It already has been cleaned out, however.
"It was a nightmare," she said, as they had three dumpsters of trash.
But many people, including a professional painter and a decorator, have chipped in.
For tours of Porter's birthplace, Kubesch said, people are contacting the Chamber of Commerce, which is working with the museum to arrange tours.
On Aug. 11, the place is expecting its first overnight guests. The Chamber is keeping a list of people who want to stay in the house.
Three suites will be available, including a "Night and Day" suite, a "Cole Porter" suite and an "Anything Goes" suite.
She's also keeping Porter's memory alive in other ways.
In November, Kubesch said she found out Porter had no star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Everyone he helped get a start in show business did, but not Porter. So Kubesch nominated Porter for a star. On May 21, she was there for the unveiling of Porter's star.
Until Warsaw natives can visit Porter's birthplace in Peru, they can catch his "Anything Goes" on the Wagon Wheel stage through Saturday. Kubesch herself will be there Saturday night.
"I'm looking forward to it," she said. "It's a tough show to do."
For more information, visit online at coleporterbirthplace.com
Porter, well-known for shows such as "Anything Goes" and "Kiss Me, Kate," is a Peru, Ind., native. Kubesch is helping to convert Porter's former Peru home into a museum to celebrate the famed musician.
Before Porter's birthplace was purchased in late 2004 by Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre, the home was privately owned and converted into multiple apartments. The home fell into a state of disrepair. In 2003, a clandestine methamphetamine lab was discovered by law enforcement officials in one of the upper apartments. The property eventually became the property of the Peru city tax rolls.[[In-content Ad]]The civic theater group decided to restore the Cole Porter birthplace. The intent is to restore the home to 1891 condition, make a Cole Porter museum that will be open to public, offer walk-through tours of the home, and use a portion of the home as bed and breakfast.
As a person related to Porter, Kubesch said she finds herself really caring about the project. Her father tried for 25 years to purchase the property, but had no luck. After the place was raided for a meth lab, luck changed.
Kubesch said they took the 23-room house where Porter was born and restored it from the bottom up for the past 2-1/2 years. She said they took what was the East Third Street apartment and turned it into a museum. They are working on getting significant memorabilia from Porter's life to put into the museum. Security measures will be in place to protect it.
In the short time since the June 9 dedication, Kubesch said, "You wouldn't believe the number of people interested in it." Even Peru Mayor Jim Walker is involved, serving as the committee chairman.
The dedication for the place was held on Porter's birthplace, June 9.
Even with the success and interest in the house, however, Kubesch said they could use more donations to complete it. They also are waiting on grants. The main project that remains to be completed is where the meth lab was. It already has been cleaned out, however.
"It was a nightmare," she said, as they had three dumpsters of trash.
But many people, including a professional painter and a decorator, have chipped in.
For tours of Porter's birthplace, Kubesch said, people are contacting the Chamber of Commerce, which is working with the museum to arrange tours.
On Aug. 11, the place is expecting its first overnight guests. The Chamber is keeping a list of people who want to stay in the house.
Three suites will be available, including a "Night and Day" suite, a "Cole Porter" suite and an "Anything Goes" suite.
She's also keeping Porter's memory alive in other ways.
In November, Kubesch said she found out Porter had no star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Everyone he helped get a start in show business did, but not Porter. So Kubesch nominated Porter for a star. On May 21, she was there for the unveiling of Porter's star.
Until Warsaw natives can visit Porter's birthplace in Peru, they can catch his "Anything Goes" on the Wagon Wheel stage through Saturday. Kubesch herself will be there Saturday night.
"I'm looking forward to it," she said. "It's a tough show to do."
For more information, visit online at coleporterbirthplace.com
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