|
Welcome to Historic Opera
Houses, a web site and organization dedicated to the dissemination of information relating to opera houses throughout the
Heartland of America. From historic footnotes and anecdotes, to resources available for restoration, our objective is
to become the clearinghouse for every aspect of the revitalization of these historic sites. "Opera houses were central to
American life from the end of the Civil War through the 1920s. Most towns and cities, from small to large, had at least
one opera house. This was the golden age of the opera house, and it is no coincidence that this period was also the
golden age of popular entertainment, fraternities, coal mining, and railroads. All these aspects of American life converged
in the opera house. Little, if any, opera was actually performed in these building. An opera house was a community
entertainment and meeting hall." (William Faricy Condee, Coal and Culture, 2005)
|
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Stay connected...We are hearing from opera houses all across the United States. The regions may change, but the challenges remain constant
and the successes are universal. Share your thoughts, frustrations, hints, successes -- this is your link, not only
to us, but to others who share your passion and similar projects.
5:56 pm edt
|
|
|
2010.08.01
|
A view from the gallery at the historic Risingsun Opera House,
in Risingsun, Ohio. On these steps, a young Lillian Gish made her way to the stage for the first time at the age
of 5 years old. Nestled throughout the heartland, history is alive and well.
 "The role the opera house can play in the future is found in its past. The opera house was never used exclusively
for theatrical performance. It was a part of the fabric of the community and was used for anything and everything that
a large indoor space could provide for. The key to saving these treasures, then, is for the community once more to have
a stake in the buildings. If the opera house can again present events that the community deems important, the opera
house will survive." (Coal and Culture)
 |
|
| Bell's Opera House, Hillsboro, Ohio |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
