The Odessa Opera House (shown above) once stood at the corner of what is today Merchant Ave. and Main Street in Odessa. Opera houses were the center of activity for many local communities in the 19th century. Havana (Montour Falls) also had an opera house, as did Watkins Glen. The building that houses Jerlando's Restaurant in Watkins Glen today was once the Freer Opera House. The opera house in Montour Falls was torn down in the 20th century when the roof collapsed. The opera houses did more than host musical performances. They also were venues for plays, conventions, political meetings, graduations, movies, and even sporting events such as wrestling matches and basketball games. Suffragettes Susan B. Anthony and Carrie Chapman Catt once spoke at the Freer Opera House. The Odessa Opera House also housed the fire department.
Very interesting, Gary . . . I trust that this missive finds you well! I really enjoy your blog, even if from afar (Bartlett, TN).
ReplyDeleteI remember the Boy Scouts met upstairs in the mid-60s, Dave Sidle was Scout master and Skip Proper the assistant. A large open area with a stage at the north end of the building. There was still stage props and posters stored under the stage back then. I’d like to know what ever happened to that stuff?
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