Vacaville in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Walker Opera House
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 29, 2009
1. Walker Opera House Marker
Kentucky native Sidney Clay Walker crossed the plains in 1850 and in 1872 settled in the Vaca Valley where he eventually owned 1,200 acres. He was an organizer of the Vacaville Water and Light Company in the 1890's and in 1896 built this brick building complete with electric lights. It originally housed three stores on the ground floor, three offices upstairs as well as a large hall with a stage and seating for 600. Since Walker's death in 1908 the building has housed a lodge hall, a movie theater and other commercial establishments. Plaque dedicated
March 19, 1994
By Sam Brannan Chapter
1004 E Clampus Vitus
Erected 1994 by Sam Brannan Chapter No. 1004 of E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1783.
Location. 38° 21.395′ N, 121° 59.19′ W. Marker is in Vacaville, California, in Solano County. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Odd Fellows Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Built 1864 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gillespie’s Store (about 400 feet away); Site of First Business Building of Record (about 400 feet away); "The Hospital" (about 400 feet away); Triangle Building (about 500 feet away); Barcar Building (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vacaville.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the eastern corner of the Main Street side.
Regarding Walker Opera House. Sidney Clay Walker was born in Kentucky in 1828, and came to California from Missouri via wagon train in 1853. He at first settled in Suisun Valley as a rancher. In 1872, he and his family moved to the Vaca Valley to engage in general farming and stock raising. In 1886 he moved into Vacaville, building a house on the corner of Catherine and Davis Streets. In addition to organizing the Vacaville Water and Light Company, he was also a town trustee, a deacon for the Baptist Church, and a member of IOOF Lodge No. 83 in Vacaville. Walker died in 1908.
Additional commentary.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 29, 2009
2. Walker Opera House (Constructed 1896)
The Opera House, built on the site of the former Wilson Hotel (built 1858, burnt down 1888), opened September 25th, 1897 with a grand concert. Eventually, the building became a theater and general entertainment facility. For much of the 20th Century the Masons used the upper portion of the building as their lodge. The upstairs was renovated in 1992-93 and is rented out as a banquet hall for special occasions. For a time, the downstairs housed the Golden West Market, and later on housed a carpet store, beauty salon, travel agency, and a land management company. The lower floor now houses Active Lifestyles, a fitness studio.
Jake Albright was Noble Grand Humbug when this plaque was dedicated. Plaque wording by Loren A. Wilson.
— Submitted April 16, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California.
Photographed By Loren Wilson, February 9, 2008
3. Walker Opera House
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,589 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on April 16, 2012, by Loren Wilson of Sebastopol, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
