money Everything you never knew about the Millersburg Opera House to be revealed May 11
MILLERSBURG − Executive Director Mark Boley of the Holmes County Historical Society invites the public to take a fascinating look at the history of the iconic Opera House, built in 1890.
The event will be held in the meeting room of the American Legion Hall (upstairs) at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. Doors open 6:30.
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“The Opera House was torn down in 1957, and it still generates conversation about its importance to the downtown area,” Boley said. “The history will be presented in a timeline from construction to demolition. Over the years, the Opera House had multiple uses, including a theater for live and motion picture events, city offices and the fire department."
WKLM personality and Historical Society member Melissa Patrick is looking forward to being part of this event.
Something special to be seen
"One of the things in Millersburg that many people are still talking about is the Millersburg Opera House," Patrick said. "People are either mystified by it, wish it hadn't been torn down, or wish they could've seen it before it was torn down. I'm one of those people who wish they could've seen it before it was torn down."
Patrick hosted a program a few years ago where she talked about the various theaters in Holmes County, some that are still here, like the Duncan Theater in Killbuck, and others like the Opera House, that are no longer around.
"We gave a little taste, and that kind of prompted this bigger program dedicated to the Opera House, where we're taking you back to 1916," she said.
Patrick's part of the program will include a slide show and photos, talking about the history of the Millersburg Opera House.
"It housed a lot of different entities," she said. "People forget about what all it was."
A trip back in time
The trip back to 1916 will feature Historical Society members clad in period dress. Visitors also are invited to dress up, with a possible prize for the best costume.
Boley said a recent discovery will be revealed, though she declined to offer details, noting you’ll have to attend to find out.
The program is expected to draw a crowd. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:30. However, if you can’t make it in person, the Historical Society has teamed with WKLM, 95.3, to livestream the event on YouTube.
Patrick said Claxon Communications, the same people who broadcast the sporting events for WKLM, will produce the broadcast on WKLM's YouTube channel.
Boley added the Historical Society is still looking for interior photos of the opera house. Call 330-674-0022 if you can help.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: History of Millersburg Opera House to be revealed at May 11 event
