The Story of Historic Kingston

The Story of Historic Kingston. Then and Now. , The Kingston Opera House on Fair and John Streets opened in 1850 and offered a variety of novelty acts popular at the time. The photograph at right shows a post office, music store, and druggist that occupied the ground floor. Another view is shown in the top photograph. At left is a rare interior view. The postcard at lower left shows Fair Street with the Opera House in the background. In the 20th century, the building was stripped of its ornate detail and turned into an office building. , The Liscomb Opera House (right) was started by George Liscomb on Broadway at Spring Street in Rondout in 1894. It was one of three opera houses in Kingston in the late 19th century. The Sampson Opera House, also in Rondout, began in 1851 at the foot of Broadway. , The Liscomb became the Fordon Opera House and then the Orpheum Theater in 1908, which presented vaudeville and silent films. It was rebuilt with a less attractive façade in 1927. The building was demolished in 1969 and replaced by the Rondout Neighborhood Center in 1971. , [photo captions] , . The Kingston Opera House, where you are standing, as seen from Fair Street circa 1900 , . Kingston Opera House on left looking down John Street from Fair Street in 1887 , . Kingston Opera House Interior, circa 1900 , . Kingston Opera House looking up Fair Street, circa 1910 , . Kingston Opera House from John Street, circa 1900 , . Liscomb Opera House circa 1900 , Excerpted from our 500-page book, The Story of Historic Kingston, featuring 950 images. The book is for sale online and at local shops, including this location. Information about all Blauweiss Media's books, films, exhibitions, presentations, walks, talks, and more can be found on our website (below). , Designed and created by Blauweiss Media. Printed and installed by Timely Signs. , HudsonValleyHistoryAndArt.com