Driver Opera House restoration nearing completion

A 17-year project to restore a cornerstone performance venue in southwest Wisconsin is wrapping up. Work at Darlington’s historic Driver Opera House is nearing the finish line, and an event at the venue is scheduled as early as next week. The building was constructed in 1883 by Josephus Driver, an entrepreneur and early settler of the area. Driver built the second-floor opera house and gave his sons retail spaces in the building’s first floor. The building deteriorated over time, causing a closure of the event space after a St. Patrick’s Day dance in 1951. A group of Darlington-area residents interested in restoring the building first came together in 2007, eventually receiving 501C(3) status and getting to work on the approximately $4 million project funded by various grants and donors. Performances are scheduled between now and the end of the year including The third annual Holiday Homecoming Dance and A musical revue, Memories & Traditions of Christmas. For more information visit driveroperahouse.org