Jim Thorpe in Carbon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Timeline of the Mauch Chunk Opera House
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 20, 2024
1. Timeline of the Mauch Chunk Opera House Marker
1881
Designed by prominent Quaker architect, Addison Hutton. The new venue initially featured a concert hall, seating over 900 on the 2nd floor & a farmer's market on the first floor. The Concert Hall was a regular stop on the vaudeville touring circuit for established stars such as Mae West, Al Jolson, John Philip Sousa, Charlie Chaplin, and many more.
1926
The Comerford Amusement chain took over the theater (which had by then acquired the name, "Opera House") and converted the interior to present silent movies, renaming it the Capitol Theater, which operated until 1962.
1977
A group of local citizens formed the Mauch Chunk Historical Society & purchased the old concert hall for one dollar, saving it from the wrecking ball. Restoration started in the late 1970's the goal was to re-purpose the space as a playhouse for local theater productions.
Today
In 2003 three local citizens founded a small production co. (JTAMS Productions) with a mission to convert the underutilized theater into a concert venue to host top name talent.
Along with the Mauch Chunk Historical Society, The Opera House is once again the
this page online
[Caption:]
Canada's popular folk trio The Wailin Jenny's chose the Opera House to record their first live album in 2009
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is August 30, 2008.
Location. 40° 51.873′ N, 75° 44.516′ W. Marker is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, in Carbon County. It is on West Broadway west of Hill Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe PA 18229, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region and in the Pocono Mountains. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 20, 2024
2. Timeline of the Mauch Chunk Opera House Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Timeline of the Marion Hose Co. No. 1 (here, next to this marker); The Dimmick House (within shouting distance of this marker); galerie b (within shouting distance of this marker); This House (1844 A.D.) (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Charles Albright Mansion (about 600 feet away); Benjamin Barge (about 600 feet away); National War Savings Campaign of 1918 (about 700 feet away); Race to the Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jim Thorpe.
Also see . . .
1. Discogs Profile for Live At The Mauch Chunk Opera House by The Wailin' Jennys. Per the profile for the release, the album was recorded on August 30, 2008. It was released in 2009. (Submitted on July 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
2. The Wailin' Jennys at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, PA.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 20, 2024
4. National Register of Historic Places plaque for the Mauch Chunk Opera House
Credits. This page was last revised on July 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 280 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 23, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
