David City in Butler County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Thorpe Opera House

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 13, 2023

1. Thorpe Opera House Marker

Inscription.

The Thorpe Opera House, built in 1889 by William B. Thorpe, served as a cultural center and a hometown stage for Thorpe's daughter, Estelle. The three-story brick building featured a beautifully designed interior with walnut stained chairs, velour-draped boxes, and a pastel blue color scheme. The seating capacity of 1,000 included a U-shaped balcony that was later removed. The opera house theater upstairs hosted theatrical performances brought to David City by the town's railroads. Other uses of the Thorpe building include the State Theater in the 1940s and 1950s, the Astro theater in the 1960s, and the Youth Center in 1978.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 41° 15.16′ N, 97° 7.76′ W. Marker is in David City, Nebraska, in Butler County. It is on D Street east of North 4th Street (Nebraska Route 15), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 457 D St, David City NE 68632, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: To the Pioneers of Butler County (within shouting distance of this marker); North Side of the Square (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schweser's (about 500 feet away); Wolfe Building (about 600 feet away); T. B. Myers Building (about 600 feet away); Built in 1900 as The Boston Studio (about 700 feet away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. half a mile away); Memorial Field (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in David City.

Thorpe Opera House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 13, 2023

2. Thorpe Opera House and Marker

The marker is to the left of the entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.