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Kirchhoff Theater
PPP's Home
1973-2006
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The Sacred Heart Catholic Church was refered to as "the pride of the community" in a 1934 edition of The Jackson Sentinel Press.
The Catholic Church, built in 1915, put the building up for sale in the early 1970's when it built a newer, larger church on another site.
Following you will find newspaper articles which outline the major events which turned this quaint Catholic Church into The Kirchhoff Theater.
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In 1973, Ed Kirchhoff, local entrepreneur and successful businessman, bought the building for $25,000 and donated it to be used as a community center and home to the local community theater organization, The Peace Pipe Players.
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The first show to be performed in the new theater space was "Cabaret" which opened on April 24, 1974. The show, which was directed by Karen and Dean Tilton, included 32 local actors, singers and dancers as well as 18 musicians. Mr. Kirchhoff had the honor of cutting the ribbon for the opening ceremony.
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Peace Pipe Players kicked off a major fundraising campaign in 1975. Their goal was to raise $20,000 to make needed improvements to the theater space which included air conditioning and installing raised, theater-type seating. Ed Kirchhoff was the major contributor, donating $5000 to the project.
| On May 1, 1976, the theater space of The Maquoketa Area Cultural Center was named The Kirchhoff Theater, in honor of Ed's great generosity.
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A new chapter in the history of Peace Pipe Players has been opened.
In 2006, Peace Pipe Players sold The Kirchhoff Theater and have since focused their efforts on supporting Ohnward Fine Arts Center
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