Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis joined Lanford’s daughter, Cate Arroe, in unveiling a plaque at the room’s entrance. Arroe made a gift to the Opera House in memory of her mother, who passed away in 2020, that was used to fund renovations to the room.

Davis said the ceiling and lighting were replaced, the walls were painted, and the floor refinished. Framed art was added to the walls. Two 1930s movie posters from the venue, when it was the Winter Garden Theatre, will also go up once they are done getting mounted.

Friends and family of Lanford, along with Opera House board members and staff, attended the room’s dedication. A short reception followed.

In brief remarks before the plaque got unveiled, Davis said meeting people like Lanford was the most enjoyable part of his job.

Top, Fredonia Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis, right, and Cate Arroe stand next to a plaque dedicating the Esther Arroe Lanford Reception Room Monday. Cate Arroe is Lanford’s daughter. Bottom, a close up of the plaque.

He recalled her Danish accent and how she would correct someone if they mistakenly called it German or Dutch.

Davis also remembered Lanford’s dry sense of humor. “Sometimes I’d have to take a beat. ‘Is she joking or is she serious?’ Then she’d get a glint in her eye,” he said.

He added that she was very smart and had a thorough knowledge of art. “She attended a variety of events. She had a wide range of tastes,” he said. She was especially fond of the satellite events, particularly the Art & Architecture On Screen series.

When Lanford’s health started to fail and she could no longer drive, she would walk to Opera House events from Fredonia Place. Davis said staff members would drive her back home.

Cate Arroe also spoke about her mother. “She spent a lot of time coming here and loved coming here,” she said.

In fact, when Lanford died, the Opera House was the first place Arroe thought of to honor her mom.

“I was happy that this worked out. This place means a lot to her,” she said.

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