By Kathy King Johnson, Executive Director Cheboygan Opera House
Special to the Tribune
For 114 years, the Cheboygan Chamber of Commerce has been promoting the town of Cheboygan. Born at the Opera House in 1907, the chamber of commerce began with a collaboration between like-minded leaders who sought to bring business together with the aim of making the entire town stronger and more prosperous.
On Jan. 4, 1907, the Cheboygan Democrat announced the formation of the Cheboygan Chamber of Commerce.
“Lay down your hammers and pick up a horn. This seems to be the prevailing sentiment. If not a horn, take up something on which, you can make a big noise, and let that noise be the sounding of the praises of your pretty and most promising city. This spirit has awakened other cities to action, and it alone will suffice to place Cheboygan in the list of live ones.
History of the Opera House: The Elk’s Tooth
By Kathy King Johnson, Executive Director Cheboygan Opera House
Special to the Tribune
On Jan. 24 and 25, 1907, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a prominent benefit society, produced the play “The Elk’s Tooth” at the Cheboygan Opera House. A huge cast of 50 Cheboygan people performed before sell-out crowds.
Fraternal orders, benevolent clubs and secret societies like the Elks offered a place for like-minded groups of philanthropists to give back to their community. They raised money for their favorite causes. Actors, entertainers and those in the theater business formed The Elks organization in1868 in New York City. It quickly grew to include many other professions.