Colonial Chorus Players Lead Fundraising Effort to Repair Roof of Beloved Historic Building
Reading, MA — If you live in Reading, you’ve probably passed the Old Hose House on Main Street countless times and perhaps wondered about its unusual name.
The wood-frame building with Colonial Revival styling was built by the town in 1902 as a home for a horse-drawn fire wagon operated by a volunteer fire company. The cupola was added in 1904 with a bell that had been cast for the old John Street School by an apprentice of Paul Revere, Henry N. Hooper.
In 1933, a group of residents purchased the Old Hose House from the town and turned it into a community center where chaperoned dances, amateur hours, spelling bees, and bean suppers took place. The building was sold again in 1972 to a theater company, Colonial Chorus, as a rehearsal space. It was added to the National Register of Historic Homes in 1984.
Now known as Colonial Chorus Players, the theater company uses the building for rehearsals, cabarets, improv comedy, plays, and musicals such as the musical comedy First Date, which opens in May.
“The Old Hose House has played a significant role in my family since we began our involvement with them in 2002,” says longtime Reading resident Patti Beckman. “Whether performing on stage, helping behind the scenes, or simply supporting others, CCP has been a source of joy, personal growth, and lasting friendships. There is a sense of belonging within this community, which has allowed a connection to people of all ages and backgrounds.”
Last summer, volunteers from CCP repainted the entire exterior of the historic old building, and now they are raising funds to replace the leaky roof. Friends and neighbors in the Reading community and beyond are invited to attend a Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, March 15, from 7–9 PM at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn Street, Reading. Tickets are $120 per table of six or $20 per individual. A cash bar with beer, wine, soda, and concessions will be available. All proceeds benefit the new roof.
Space is limited to 20 tables, and tickets will not be sold at the door. To purchase tickets, go to ccp1961.org. For more information, contact Liz McCarron at Properties@ccp1961.org.
If you cannot attend Trivia Night, donations for the roof project can be made by sending a check to Colonial Chorus Players, P.O. Box 443, Reading, MA 01867, or by Venmo or PayPal @ColonialChorus. Be sure to put ROOF in the memo. Because CCP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, every dollar you donate is tax deductible.
