The Greenwood Opera House
BY: BG EDITOR
Wilton's Theatre, England c. 1859
Feb 16, 2019 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG)
In the early years of the city, Greenwood had several venues that hosted entertainment. Among them were several opera houses and auditoriums. During the first decade of the 1900s they hosted a great array of events. Some of the musical performances were detailed in our recent series on the Amateur Dramatic Club (1, 2, 3).
Taking the stage were visiting lecturers, political speeches, church bazaars and boxing matches. There was musical theater, community dances and the Fireman's Ball. Many performance groups made 'the circuit' in the Boundary, playing in short succession Greenwood's opera houses, Biden's Opera House in Grand Forks, and Phoenix Miners Union Hall. Greenwood hosted the Ladies Philharmonic Quartet of Chicago, much approved by the ladies, no doubt, and many "smokers" for the men.
School and church groups took advantage of the stage, hosting fund-raiser teas, children's concerts and plays, and holiday festivities. Also on stage were a number of athletic sports competitions, including several boxing and wrestling matches.
The first mention we find of a Greenwood opera house is in a Boundary Creek Times from September 1896.[1] A brief social report mentioned a Mr. R. H. DeGray, who had previously visited the city and was invited to return. It was promised that he would be warmly welcomed, especially at the Greenwood Opera house.
In an article describing the growth of Greenwood and the rapid construction of buildings in the city, we read that after the Windsor and International hotels were raised, along with the Fashion livery and several other hotels and businesses, one of the first opera houses was built:[2]
"…an eminent capitalist (?) laid out a large sum in the erection of an opera house — now used as a newspaper office."
That opera house had apparently never become a viable entertainment venue, as noted in a report from March 1897:[3]
"The building, erstwhile an opera house, but purchased by the proprietors of The Times and used for the last seven months as a printing office, on Government street, was sold on Tuesday at a good figure to Mr. T. A. Garland. The Times will shortly be published from new offices, specially fitted up with conveniences, on Long Lake street…"
Within a year from construction of this opera house, another was built in the city, and The Alhambra, would indeed serve as a proper auditorium for events:[4]
A FIRST-CLASS THEATRE
W. S. Fletcher's Big Building is Being Rapidly Erected
"Greenwoodites will have plenty of amusements to chase away the long hours this winter. W. S. Fletcher is building an opera house which has already been leased to a strong company. The building will be completed about November 20th. The cost will exceed $10,000.
The building occupies a 50-foot frontage on Copper street and runs back along Deadwood 145-feet. The auditorium is 45x90 feet. An hotel will be run in connection with the theatre. Already a numerously signed petition has been presented to the license commissioners to grant a license. The building is most strongly constructed the trusses and timbers being the heaviest yet put into a building of this nature."
W. S. Fletcher's Big Building is Being Rapidly Erected
"Greenwoodites will have plenty of amusements to chase away the long hours this winter. W. S. Fletcher is building an opera house which has already been leased to a strong company. The building will be completed about November 20th. The cost will exceed $10,000.
The building occupies a 50-foot frontage on Copper street and runs back along Deadwood 145-feet. The auditorium is 45x90 feet. An hotel will be run in connection with the theatre. Already a numerously signed petition has been presented to the license commissioners to grant a license. The building is most strongly constructed the trusses and timbers being the heaviest yet put into a building of this nature."
A December 1899 Times article showcased the new Opera House, and gave the residents of Greenwood a teaser of the entertainment to come:[5]
IT OPENS TO-NIGHT
THE NEW ALHAMBRA THEATER
"Tonight the new Alhambra vaudeville theater will be opened to the public. Scene-painters and carpenters have been working double shifts the past few days to have everything in order for the initial opening, and a good entertainment is promised to all who attend. No objectionable features are to be allowed, and the management promises to give a distinctly high-class vaudeville entertainment. Delphos Laurence, favorably known in theatrical circles in the west, is the amusement manager, and himself an artist of no mean ability.
The talent secured to take part "in tonight's opening are said to be artists of exceptional merit and cleverness in their several parts. On the programme will be found the following: William McVey, a clever Irish comedian; Miss Sue Blanchard, who has won her way to fame in the vaudevilleline by a singularly sweet and clear barytone voice and graceful deportment. This is Miss Blanchard's third appearance in the west, coming direct from New York. Henderson and Ross are known by many here as the "European Novelty Stars." Their performance is always up-to-date. To the lover of the banjo Miss Gertie Harrington will certainly make a hit — she is a performer that few artists in her line can equal and none surpass. Another sketch team, always amusing and original, are Harrison and Foster. The names of those who are to take part augurs well for the public patronage and success of the new resort.
C. A. Baldwin takes charge as the general manager.; He is well known here by a large circle of friends. This is not, however, his first experience in the vaudeville business, as he has been connected with some of the best houses in the west. Backing the whole undertaking is A. Branson, the genial proprietor of the Commercial hotel. The Company leasing the building is known as the Alhambra Hotel and Theater company.
THE ALHAMBRA
The Alhambra is a new three story building, located at the corner of Boundary avenue and Deadwood street. It is a substantial structure, on a high basement, and heated throughout by hot water. The wires for an electric light service have also been put in. It was built and is owned by W. S. Fletcher. The building and lot represent an investment of between $15,000 and $18,000, completed. Mr. Fletcher has leased the whole building to the Alhambra Hotel and Theatre company."
THE NEW ALHAMBRA THEATER
"Tonight the new Alhambra vaudeville theater will be opened to the public. Scene-painters and carpenters have been working double shifts the past few days to have everything in order for the initial opening, and a good entertainment is promised to all who attend. No objectionable features are to be allowed, and the management promises to give a distinctly high-class vaudeville entertainment. Delphos Laurence, favorably known in theatrical circles in the west, is the amusement manager, and himself an artist of no mean ability.
The talent secured to take part "in tonight's opening are said to be artists of exceptional merit and cleverness in their several parts. On the programme will be found the following: William McVey, a clever Irish comedian; Miss Sue Blanchard, who has won her way to fame in the vaudevilleline by a singularly sweet and clear barytone voice and graceful deportment. This is Miss Blanchard's third appearance in the west, coming direct from New York. Henderson and Ross are known by many here as the "European Novelty Stars." Their performance is always up-to-date. To the lover of the banjo Miss Gertie Harrington will certainly make a hit — she is a performer that few artists in her line can equal and none surpass. Another sketch team, always amusing and original, are Harrison and Foster. The names of those who are to take part augurs well for the public patronage and success of the new resort.
C. A. Baldwin takes charge as the general manager.; He is well known here by a large circle of friends. This is not, however, his first experience in the vaudeville business, as he has been connected with some of the best houses in the west. Backing the whole undertaking is A. Branson, the genial proprietor of the Commercial hotel. The Company leasing the building is known as the Alhambra Hotel and Theater company.
THE ALHAMBRA
The Alhambra is a new three story building, located at the corner of Boundary avenue and Deadwood street. It is a substantial structure, on a high basement, and heated throughout by hot water. The wires for an electric light service have also been put in. It was built and is owned by W. S. Fletcher. The building and lot represent an investment of between $15,000 and $18,000, completed. Mr. Fletcher has leased the whole building to the Alhambra Hotel and Theatre company."
The article goes on to explain the interior layout of the Opera House, and the description gives us a wonderful visual image of what it was like to step into this new facility in early Greenwood:
HOW LAID OUT
"The building has been constructed with a view to using the basement as a restaurant; the first and second floors for the theatre proper, and the third floor as an hotel. In size it is 50x95 feet. The front part of the basement provides room for a large cafe, with card and wine rooms, and the rear portion is fitted up for the dressing rooms of the performers. The main entrance on the first floor leads one directly into the bar and office room. A side entrance takes the visitor up to the third floor where the hotel proper is located.
Passing through the spacious barroom on the first floor and at the corner opposite to the main entrance, is the ticket office and entrance to the theatre. The auditorium is well arranged and with the balcony on the second floor running around three sides, will easily accommodate 700 spectators. Beneath and opposite the stage is the orchestra pit and on each side are large stage boxes. The floor space s 50x40 feet. The stage itself is a large one, a necessity in these days of quick changing vaudeville performance. The whole of the third — the hotel portion — is divided off into rooms and these are now being suitably furnished. The arrangement of the building should prove satisfactory, both as a theatre and as a hotel."
"The building has been constructed with a view to using the basement as a restaurant; the first and second floors for the theatre proper, and the third floor as an hotel. In size it is 50x95 feet. The front part of the basement provides room for a large cafe, with card and wine rooms, and the rear portion is fitted up for the dressing rooms of the performers. The main entrance on the first floor leads one directly into the bar and office room. A side entrance takes the visitor up to the third floor where the hotel proper is located.
Passing through the spacious barroom on the first floor and at the corner opposite to the main entrance, is the ticket office and entrance to the theatre. The auditorium is well arranged and with the balcony on the second floor running around three sides, will easily accommodate 700 spectators. Beneath and opposite the stage is the orchestra pit and on each side are large stage boxes. The floor space s 50x40 feet. The stage itself is a large one, a necessity in these days of quick changing vaudeville performance. The whole of the third — the hotel portion — is divided off into rooms and these are now being suitably furnished. The arrangement of the building should prove satisfactory, both as a theatre and as a hotel."
In the spring of 1900, we read that one performer had found another of the local facilities to be wanting. A Times report[6] on soloist Louise Brehany's concert at Millers Hall was also mentioned in a previous feature:
"The Louise M. Brehany company deserved a better hall and a more appreciative audience, but these are growing times in Greenwood, and when they next come may they be welcomed in a neat opera house."
In running his opera house, owner W. S. Fletcher ran into a small spot of trouble that year:[7]
"In the civil cases, David Reid sued W. S. Fletcher for $111; on account of painting the Auditorium. Reid had a contract to paint the building and was engaged in the work while Mr. Fletcher was absent in Victoria. He took stock in certain idle rumors that Mr. Fletcher was not coming back; quit work, rushed to a lawyer and placed a lein on the building and lot on account of an unfinished contract. The evidence showed further that Reid had been paid more than was coming to him by Mr. Fletcher. Judgment was given in favor of Mr. Fletcher."
A few months later, renovations were completed, and the opera house was re-opened under new management:[8]
"The Auditorium will be run as a legitimate play-house only. No bar in connection. It has been thoroughly renovated from top to bottom. Special inducements will be given local entertainments such as amatuer dramatic and operatic societies, quadrille and glee clubs, church entertainments, etc. The house is fitted up with modern heating and lighting systems. An invitation is extended to any one to inspect the opera house under its new management. — F. W. Hart, Manager."
Boundary Creek Times — Oct 21, 1904
One of the most interesting entertainments hosted at the Greenwood opera house arrived in December 1904, when the London Bioscope Company brought to town a treat for everyone's enjoyment on the night before Christmas Eve.
The Bioscope was a moving-picture apparatus that was invented a year before the first black and white films were run, in 1895 Paris. These silent movies came many years before the "talkies", circa 1914, and it wasn't until 1923 that the first sound-on-film motion picture was shown in New York.
In 1904, residents of Greenwood had an opportunity to see one of these rare Bioscope moving pictures. The Bioscope was created for Warwicks, the London firm serving as marketing agents for Thomas Edison's early projectors.[9]
In early December, the Times ran a preview of the coming Bioscope film:[10]
"MAN THE BOAT"
Life-saving on the Bioscope - Remarkable Reproduction
"While the life-boat service is one with which we are intensely sympathetic and deeply interested in, yet how few have heard in earnest, the cry of "Man the Life-Boat" and how very rarely has the average individual had the opportunity of seeing the life-boat at work?
These realistic and thrilling incidents have now been faithfully recorded on the Bioscope and will be reproduced along with an altogether new programme of Canadian and other scenes at the London Bioscope company's entertainment which opens at the opera house on Friday the 23rd of December for one performance."
Life-saving on the Bioscope - Remarkable Reproduction
"While the life-boat service is one with which we are intensely sympathetic and deeply interested in, yet how few have heard in earnest, the cry of "Man the Life-Boat" and how very rarely has the average individual had the opportunity of seeing the life-boat at work?
These realistic and thrilling incidents have now been faithfully recorded on the Bioscope and will be reproduced along with an altogether new programme of Canadian and other scenes at the London Bioscope company's entertainment which opens at the opera house on Friday the 23rd of December for one performance."
Among the many rare happenings recorded by the Bioscope was the funeral of Queen Victoria, in 1901:[11]
"Probably the most interesting of the animated pictures were the funeral of the late Queen Victoria, as seen at Trinity Pier, and King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra leaving Buckingham Palace, on foot. In the first, the uncovering of the coffin containing the late Queen's remains and its removal from the gun-carriage are shown with great vividness, and in the latter the spectator had absolutely accurate pictures of the King and Queen Alexandra as they are at the present day.
Several scenes in the funeral of Queen Victoria were shown — all very fine."
[ Left: Boundary Creek Times — Dec 16, 1904; Right: London Bioscope ]
In Greenwood, the Times ran one more 'teaser' before the big Bioscope show at the Opera House:[12]
AN INTERRUPTED DUEL
"A duel which was to have taken place at the Grand Roue, Paris, has had a rather curious ending. The two antagonists with their seconds appeared and began to strip for the fray when a stranger, bearing an oblong box, which he proceeded to unpack, came upon the scene. He then erected a tripod to which he fixed a bioscope camera and awaited development of events. The duelists, however, were so indignant that they forgot the cause of their trouble, embraced each other, reclothed themselves and left the field of battle arm in arm, while the disappointed bioscope man sadly repacked his apparatus and departed.
Had the "stranger" referred to been fortunate enough to secure a picture, the duel would have been reproduced at the opera house, for the "stranger" was Mr. F. G. Bradford, the Canadian representative of the London Bioscope Co. whose entertainment will shortly play at the opera house."
"A duel which was to have taken place at the Grand Roue, Paris, has had a rather curious ending. The two antagonists with their seconds appeared and began to strip for the fray when a stranger, bearing an oblong box, which he proceeded to unpack, came upon the scene. He then erected a tripod to which he fixed a bioscope camera and awaited development of events. The duelists, however, were so indignant that they forgot the cause of their trouble, embraced each other, reclothed themselves and left the field of battle arm in arm, while the disappointed bioscope man sadly repacked his apparatus and departed.
Had the "stranger" referred to been fortunate enough to secure a picture, the duel would have been reproduced at the opera house, for the "stranger" was Mr. F. G. Bradford, the Canadian representative of the London Bioscope Co. whose entertainment will shortly play at the opera house."
While many and varied entertainments took to the stage of the opera house/auditorium, in 1908 the venue again came under new management.[13]
"The Greenwood Orchestra will take over the Auditorium on July 1st. It is their intention to make a number of alterations in the seating and generally in the handling of the building that will improve the Opera House considerably. The executive of the organization has been drafted as follows: Manager, J. F. S. Gillum; secretary, A. D. Hallett; treasurer, C. A. Thomas. The reserved seat plan will in future be in the care of A. Logan & Co."
The first decade of the 20th Century saw the citizens of Greenwood gathered regularly around whatever forms of entertainment came to brighten their lives in the opera houses and auditoriums of the city. Their pleasures were interrupted by strikes, and later by the devastating collapse of the copper industry, which brought the entire city and much of the Boundary to its knees a decade later. But at least for the turn of the century, the lights shone brightly at the opera house.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Boundary Creek Times — Sep 19, 1896, p. 9
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170724
[2] Boundary Creek Times — Oct 17, 1896, p. 2
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170615
[3] Boundary Creek Times — Mar 27, 1897, p. 6
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170456
[4] Boundary Creek Times — Oct 21, 1899, p. 8
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170611
[5] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 16, 1899, p. 9 & 11
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0170316
[6] Greenwood Weekly Times — Apr 21, 1900, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172757
[7] Greenwood Weekly Times — Sep 26, 1900, p. 1
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172810
[8] Greenwood Weekly Times — Nov 14, 1900, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172820
[9] The Royal Bioscope Company
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Bioscope_Company
[10] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 09, 1904, p. 9
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171029
[11] Queen Victoria's Funeral Recorded on Bioscope
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9578229
[12] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 16, 1904, p. 2
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171030
[13] Boundary Creek Times — Jun 26, 1908, p. 4
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0172128
