Mineola in Wood County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mineola Opera Houses
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019
1. Mineola Opera Houses Marker
The Opera House Era in Mineola lasted from the 1870s until the 1910s and was an important period in the city’s social history. Rail connections to bigger cities brought many famous artists here. In 1877, William J. McDonald opened McDonald Hall, and the Johnson String Band of Marshall provided music for a grand ball that was the venue’s debut. Julius Caspary later opened an opera house near the Mineola State Bank. Renowned actors Louis James, Helena Modjeska and Frederick Warde and musician “Blind Tom” Wiggins performed here. During the Vaudeville Era, opera houses offered operettas, soliloquies, tableau, recitations and comedic acts. The advent of movie theaters signaled the end for opera houses, the foundation of the arts in Mineola.Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14431.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 32° 39.831′ N, 95° 29.355′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Public Mineral Water Well (a few steps from this marker); First National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Select Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Mineola's Jewish Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr Pepper Bottling Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Coleman Family Drug Store and Clinic (within shouting distance of this marker); Mallory Bros. Grocery and Feed Stores (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Barney B. Hart House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mineola.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019
2. Mineola Opera Houses Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
