Nestled in the Old Threshers grounds, too far north to be the Log Village and too far south to be the North Village, sits the Theatre Museum. Or, professionally, The Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana. To some, this is a frequent must-see attraction. Others may not be aware of its existence or the important history that lies inside.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, most communities, regardless of size, had an opera house for public events and entertainment, including performances by professional artists. During the summer months, many theatrical companies played under canvas because of the summer heat.

Of course, to enjoy a great show, you had to feel like you were really there. Backdrops created a sense of reality and transported you out of your seat, and into the world of the play. The museum has an extensive collection of theatrical backdrops painted in the late 1800s and early 1900s, one of the largest such collections in existence in one place.

While most enjoy streaming services today, television, and phones, entertainment looked a lot different in the 18 and 1900s. Traveling shows would come to town and folks from all over would flock to the theatre.

I was joined by board president Dr. Monie Hays, and Grace Davis, vice president. According to them, the term “theatre” had a negative reputation during the 19^th and 20^th centuries, and instead, “opera” was preferred. They work and volunteer many hours a week to sort through the archives and preserve what used to be a part of everyday life. Posters were placed throughout towns much like Mount Pleasant, and a traveling show would bring many people together for hours of entertainment.

Currently, the museum hosts Dr. Wendy Waszut-Barret (PhD Technical Theater), who specializes in restoration, replication, and replacing. With an eye for theatrical backdrops, she can narrow a certain painting down to the play it was used in, or what year it would have been used.

Hidden history will be uncovered at 3:00pm on Thursday, January 11th with a special program taking place at the Theatre Museum. The museum holds memories of a time long gone, yet some are determined to keep that history alive.

*Waszut-Barrett is an expert in both the provenance and preservation of such artifacts. To read more, visit Drypigment.net: https://drypigment.net/.

**For more information about the Theatre Museum or about the January program, including to volunteer or to arrange an interview with Dr. Waszut-Barrett, contact Dr. Monie Hayes at moniehayes@hotmail.com, or the Theatre Museum at theatremuseum@yahoo.net / 319-385-9432. The museum is located at 405 E. Thresher Rd., Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

***The Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana is in need of volunteers for the remaining days that their guest is there. They will be open 9-5 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Please call 319 385 9432 for more information or to volunteer.

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 2 cents, averaging $2.77 across Iowa according to AAA.

Crude Oil Summary

• The price of global crude oil fell this week on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) by $.24 per barrel over last week, currently priced at $72.01.
• Brent crude oil fell $.55 and is currently priced at $77.27.
• One year ago, WTI crude sold for $75.12 and Brent crude was at $78.40.

Motor Fuels

• As of Wednesday, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.77 across Iowa according to AAA.
  • Prices fell 2 cents from last week’s price and are down 39 cents from a year ago.
  • The national average on Wednesday was $3.08, down 1 cent from last week’s price.
• Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 5 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.60.
  • One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.21 in Iowa.
  • The current Iowa diesel price is 35 cents lower than the national average of $3.95.
• Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.
• The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $1.80 for U87-E10, $2.12 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $2.48 for ULSD#2, $2.72 for ULSD#1, and $1.78 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Heating Fuels

• Propane prices averaged $1.57 per gallon statewide.
• Home heating oil prices averaged $3.02 per gallon statewide.
• Natural gas prices rose 35 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.02/MMbtu

Tips for saving energy on the road or at home are available at energy.gov and fueleconomy.gov.

At approximately 8:32 A.M. on January 9, 2024, Wapello Fire and Rescue and Wapello Ambulance were called to the 300 block of Roy El Court in Wapello for a report of a garage fire. Morning Sun Fire Department was requested for mutual aid.

Fire crews arrived shortly after to find the fire mostly extinguished by the homeowner who had utilized the wet snow to extinguish the fire. Morning Sun Fire Department was canceled, and firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to check for fire extension.

The fire started after gasoline vapors ignited on a snowblower after refueling. Damage to the garage and contents is estimated at less than $3000. There were no injuries. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions when fueling equipment and always refuel in a well-ventilated area.