Vinton in Benton County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Watson's Opera House
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2021
1. Watson's Opera House Marker
Samuel H. Watson, pioneer Vinton banker built the opera house in 1870 at a cost of 20,000 to $25,000. It seated 800 persons and featured live performances in drama, music, and comedy. It was the center of entertainment for the Vinton community.
[sidebars/playbills]
13, 14, 15
The Favorite Actress
Miss Ida
Van Courtland
in a repertoire
of high class plays
aided by every
requisite of
Scene, Costume, Music, Singing
Calcium Lights
Appointments
Opening Programme
“Queena”
Prices 25, 35 & 50 cents
Reserved seats on sale Feb. 10th
—————
The Eminent Comedian
John Dillon
in his successful comedy
“Wanted, The Earth”
Supported by a most clever
company of Artists
One Night Only
Wednesday April 8, 1896
Prices… 25, 35, 50 & 75¢
Reserved Sale Monday, April 6th
Names on list will have
first choice of seats
Erected 2000.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 42° 10.095′ N, 92° 1.543′ W. Marker is in Vinton, Iowa, in Benton County. Marker is on A Avenue just south of West
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sweet Corn Day Festival (within shouting distance of this marker); Iowa Canning Co. Seed House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Benton County World War II Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); Benton County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); The Many Bridges Built to Cross the Cedar River (about 700 feet away); Minne Estema Park (about 700 feet away); Red Cedar River (about 700 feet away); Flooding of the Cedar River (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vinton.
Also see . . .
1. Watson's Opera House (photo). Excerpt:
Watson's Opera House was located on what is now A Avenue, in the vicinity between the back of Nature's Corner and Tharp's Design.(Submitted on January 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Samuel H. Watson (Benton County, IAGenWeb Project). Excerpts:
Senior member of the firm of S. H. Watson & Sons, bankers, of Vinton. The bank was organized in 1856 by Judge Samuel Douglas and Mr. Watson, the firm of Douglas & Watson continuing until 1861, when Judge Douglas retired, Mr. Watson(Submitted on January 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)continuing alone. In 1865 the bank was merged into the First National Bank of Vinton. Success has crowned Watson's efforts in every particular, and he accumulated a large property, at the same time retaining the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. In every enterprise tending to advance the best interests of Vinton, he actively engaged. He erected several valuable buildings and started several manufacturing enterprises. Among the buildings worthy of special mention are the Bank and Watson's Opera House.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 20212. Watson's Opera House Mural Marker(mounted on the left side of the mural)
Harvest of Walls
2000
Mural
“Entertainment”
Artist
Mark Baty, Waukee, IA.
Sponsored by
Clingman Pharmacy
Coots Materials, Dave & Mary Coots
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 28, 2021
3. Watson's Opera House Mural
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
