Guthrie in Logan County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Brooks Opera House

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 22, 2019

1. Brooks Opera House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Built in 1899 as an adjunct to the Royal Hotel, the Brooks was praised in its day as the finest theater in the Southwest. It presented popular entertainments and was also the setting for many dazzling "first nights" for territorial society.

Some historic events of its golden years: the opening session of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention, and an address by William Jennings Bryan, the Great Populist, in a campaign tour. Lon Chaney, famed motion picture actor, began his career here as a stagehand. Later years saw the Brooks become the Avon motion picture theater before it was razed in 1967.

Erected 1980 by Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 35° 52.625′ N, 97° 25.476′ W. Marker is in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in Logan County. Marker is on East Harrison Avenue east of South Division Street (U.S. 77), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: East Harrison Avenue, Guthrie OK 73044, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rough Riders (within shouting distance of this marker); De Steiguer Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Guthrie Daily Leader (about 400 feet away); Oklahoma Building (about 400 feet away); Gray Bros. Building (about 400 feet away); Foucart Building (about 500 feet away); Smith’s 2-Story Privy (about 500 feet away); State Seal Stolen (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Guthrie.

Regarding Brooks Opera House. Constructed in 1899 by owner/manager James B. Brooks, this three-story limestone opera house seated 1,100 and contained ten finely appointed private boxes. It was furnished with folding upholstered chairs, steam heat, electric lights, hot and cold water, and other amenities.

Former location of Opera House (building razed). image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 22, 2019

2. Former location of Opera House (building razed).

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 171 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.