OPERA HOUSE - SUMMARY

TIMELINE

1869

On July 13, l869, the Odd Fellows and Masonic Building Association charter was formed for the purpose of constructing the original building. The original members of the Building Committee were J.J. Summersgill, D.W. Kennedy, and William T. Webb.

1870-71

Association erected a three-story brick structure which housed business storerooms on the 1st floor, a "Town Hall" on the 2nd floor, and lodge rooms for the Odd Fellows and Masons on the 3rd floor. Estimated cost of construction was $7,0000. On July 14, 1870 the cornerstone was laid containing a copper box inside of which have the names of the Officers and members of the lodge.

1886

With the Vaudeville Era (1870-1920) in full swing, "Town Hall was fast becoming the epicenter of entertainment for Greene County. Feature attractions included comedies, musical, and dramas by touring performers and troupes, as well as lectures by scholars. Church and civic groups began using local talent to organize and stage fundraising benefits at "Town Hall".

1889

"Town Hall" was remodeled and converted into the "Opera House" by the Odd Fellows and Masonic Building Association. The new "Opera House" now encompassed part of the 1st floor storerooms, as well as the 2nd floor "Town Hall". The hall was repainted and repapered, windows were filled with stained glass, electric lights were installed, the gallery and aisles on the main floor were carpeted, and a new upright piano was purchased. Seats in the rear of the hall were raised and a 140 seat "opera circle" was constructed. The renovated "Opera House" could now seat 524 people at a cost of $1,500-$2,000.

1889

"Town Hall" was remodeled and converted into the "Opera House" by the Odd Fellows and Masonic Building Association. The new "Opera House" now encompassed part of the 1st floor storerooms, as well as the 2nd floor "Town Hall". The hall was repainted and repapered, windows were filled with stained glass, electric lights were installed, the gallery and aisles on the main floor were carpeted, and a new upright piano was purchased. Seats in the rear of the hall were raised and a 140 seat "opera circle" was constructed. The renovated "Opera House" could now seat 524 people at a cost of $1,500-$2,000.

September 23, l889 marked the "Opera House" grand opening, featuring the Adams Stock Company's performance of "Chip, the Fairy Waif", a comedy starring "that winsome creature of the footlights", Miss Alberta Blakely.

1900-01

"Opera House" was further expanded by adding a theater room in the sight of a former C.W. Bane livery stable. The Building Association contracted Charles E. Murry of Phillipsburg, PA to build the addition for $28,000. The addition was designed by one of the best known opera house architects in the country, J.B. McElfatrick and Son of New York City, a company that designed several Pittsburgh theaters.

The Grand Opening was held on January 28, 1901 with a performance of "Nathan Hale" by a New York Company featuring the then-famous actor Howard Kyle. Silent films were probably being shown around this time.

1902

William Jennings Bryan, the 1896 and 1900 Democratic candidate for President and famed orator, appeared on lecture tour and was sponsored by the Waynesburg College Board of Trustees as a fundraiser. Some 1,200 Greene Countians heard Bryan expound on the evils of Wall Street, the dangers of imperialism, the need for the free and unlimited coinage of silver, and the evils of the protective tariff.

Around this time, the facility was also being used for commencement exercises for both Waynesburg College and area public school.

1909

William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous lecture "The Prince of Peace."

1913

First "talking movie"

1916-18

Opera House was leased and managed by Walter Munnell.

1917

Served as Greene County's first headquarters of the American Red Cross.

1918-1923

Opera House was leased and managed by a company formed by Dr. Cole, Roy Waychoff, Eugene Inghram, and Charles R. Silveus, it's managing partner.

1919

Former President Howard Taft lectured in support of American entry into the League of Nations, professing it necessary to save civilization. He was guest speaker at an evening session of the annual Teacher's Institute. Teacher's Institute meeting were held here from 1891-1932.

American Legion organized September 13, 1919 and held it's first meetings in the Opera House.

1920

Charles Correll (Andy of "Amos & Andy") performed in a traveling minstrel show.

1926

Will Rogers, billed as "America's Foremost Comedian-Philosopher," staged a performance with his traveling troupe.

1929

With the introduction of the "talkies", the Opera House once again needed updating. Alpheus Miller, who leased and operated the Opera House since 1923, completed remodeling which included purchasing new asbestos curtains for the stage, updating electric & sound projection equipment.
In October, Frank Pishionery and Larry Puglia assumed management of the Opera House by purchasing Miller's lease. This group continually operated the Opera House until 1986.

1939

Opera House was converted into a modern fireproof movie theater at a cost of around $60,000 by Waynesburg Construction Company owned by Fred Fox. The theater which seated 820 people, now had a street-level entrance, a new lobby paved with Italian marble, a new marquee with neon signage, new concrete floors in the theater, a new balcony, new leather seats, new blue carpet, new stage draperies, padded-soundproofed walls covered with blue & grey brocade damask, new screen and sound system (RCA), and modern projection equipment. The decorations and draperies were furnished by Martin Turner of the American Valance Company of Pittsburgh.The walls flanking the stage featured murals painted by renowned Peter Simboli and Sons (Anthony and Ray) of Pittsburgh, depicting white steeds and castles in gardens. Mr. Simboli was 74 years old at the time and his son, Ray, was an art instructor at Carnegie Institute (now Carnegie Mellon University).

The Grand Opening of the remodeled theater was held on the 9th of November before a capacity crowd, featuring "Hollywood Cavalcade" starring Don Ameci and Alice Faye. The opening was attended by executives from 11 major Hollywood film studios.

1986-89

The Opera House was closed. It seemed like the end of an era.

1989

The Opera House was dusted off and reopened as The Waynesburg Theater and Arts Center. Chris and Reed Kiger, along with their family undertook the task of "polishing up" the theater. They reupholstered the 499 seats on the main theater floor, replaced aisle and inner lobby carpeting, and painted the entire facility. They operated as a single-screen discount theater using the same carbon-arc projectors installed in 1939. The facility was also used for live theater by local talent.

In August, the Grand Opening featured a live theater performance of the play, Godspell, by Greene Theater Company, a local group of thespians.

1999

1999 Don and Sally Scott Cameron joined her sister, Chris Scott Kiger, in ownership and management of Waynesburg Theater and commenced on extensive renovation and updating. The theater marquee was completely redone, murals refurbished, bathrooms were remodeled and a handicapped facility added, seats were replaced on the main floor with tables to facilitate food service or meetings/conference, and the Balcony was reopened with swivel-rocker "comfort" seating. The electrical service was completely replaced and a fully automated platter projection system was installed. In addition to operating as a single-screen theater, Waynesburg Theater now books parties, meetings, fundraisers, etc.

On December 17th, a Grand Opening was held with the premiere of the movie "Bicentennial Man" starring Robin Williams.

Management of Waynesburg Theater is deeply committed to the continuation and preservation of the theater, both for it's architectural value and for it's social importance in the community. We hope you feel the same. See you at the theater!