Palestine in Crawford County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Fife Opera House
Photographed By Al Wolf
1. The Fife Opera House Marker
The Fife Opera House, located on the second floor of the Fife Hardware Store, was built by David Fife. It operated from 1901-1912. It seated 700 people on red leather seats, had electric fans and was heated with a coal furnace. There were five sets of scenery, some of which are still visible today. Such entertainments as local talent shows, stock theatrical companies, band concerts, a lyceum series, special speakers, and commencements drew crowds from Hutsonville, Robinson, Flat Rock and Merom. Today the echoes of past performances remain from yesteryear.
Erected 1989 by The Pioneer City Jr. Historian Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 39° 0.116′ N, 87° 36.783′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Illinois, in Crawford County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and East Grand Prairie Street, on the left when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Palestine IL 62451, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Auntie Gogin's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Gov. Augustus C. French (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Fife Opera House. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 31, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Historical Palestine, IL - A Town for Yesteryear and for Today. Heroes, Heroines, and History website entry (Submitted on December 18, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Al Wolf, October 11, 2009
2. National Registry Marker
Photographed By Al Wolf
3. Looking West - - The Fife Opera House Marker
Photographed By Al Wolf, October 11, 2009
4. Wide View - - The Fife Opera House Marker
Photographed By Al Wolf, October 11, 2009
5. Looking North / East - - The Fife Opera House Marker
Photographed By Al Wolf, October 11, 2009
6. Entry - - The Fife Opera House
Photographed By Al Wolf, October 11, 2009
7. Full View - - The Fife Opera House
Photographed By Al Wolf, October 11, 2009
8. "" Old Down Town Palestine "" - - The Opera House Across the Street - - > > > >
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,382 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 15, 2009, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
