Butler's Thompson Block Building

Butler's Thompson Block Building. . In 1903, Walter and Eclecta Thompson constructed the original Opera House building. The Opera House Grand Opening took place on November 26, 1903, with a performance by a military band with a full orchestra performing "In Sunny Tennessee." , The first floor was rented for various commercial uses and became the post office in 1930. The second and third floors included a stage and balcony. Plays, skits, concerts, lectures, high school graduations, and basketball games were held in the theater area during this time. , Walter died in May 1904, shortly after the Opera House opened. His son, Jay, then became acting manager until he moved from Butler before 1910. , In 1912, William Mutzfeld and Sons constructed the adjacent Mutzfeld Building to the south of the Thompson Block, where they opened a harness and hardware shop. The Mutzfeld's redesigned the interior to include doors between the two structures, which allowed the two buildings to function as one. The newly remodeled structure was then referred to as the Thompson Block Building. , John Nugen Furniture and Interiors purchased the Thompson Block Building in 1970. The building was used as a furniture store for 10 years, until the store closed in 1980. , In 2000, the Eastside Area Community Foundation accepted ownership of the Thompson Building. On October 31, 2001, the structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places along with all of downtown Butler. The Eastside Community Foundation and the City of Butler raised funds for the renovation of the building. In 2012, the City of Butler located their municipal offices to the structure where they remain today. , Timeline , 1881 Walt and Eclecta Thompson married , May 16, 1882 Jay Thompson born , 1903 Thompson Block completed and opera house holds grand opening on November 26th , May 25, 1904 Walter Thompson died, Thompson was also a hardware merchant , 1912 William Mutzfeld built Mutzfeld Building , 1925 Jay Thompson died , 1929 Eclecta Thompson died , 1930 Mutzfeld and Sons buy Thompson Block Building , 1970 Building sold to John Nugen Furniture and Interiors , 1980 Furniture store closes , 2000 Eastside Area Community Foundation takes ownership , October 31, 2001 National Registry of Historic Places , April 2002 Money given for outside renovation , February 2003 Front window completed , 2012 City Offices moved to Thompson Block Building