Wessington Springs in Jerauld County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Opera House

November 24, 2024

1. Opera House Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1905, moved to present location in 1920, saved from being torn down in 1993, renovation began in 1994.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 44° 4.806′ N, 98° 34.246′ W. Marker is in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, in Jerauld County. It is on Dakota Avenue North south of 1st Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Dakota Ave N, Wessington Springs SD 57382, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River

and specifically in the James River Valley.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Stratton Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Methodist Episcopal Church of Wessington Springs (about 400 feet away); Carnegie Library (about 500 feet away); Wessington Springs, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); Jerauld County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame (about 700 feet away); Wessington Springs' First Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Municipal Field House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wessington Springs.

Also see . . .
1. 1905 Opera House, Wessington Springs | Travel South Dakota. (Submitted on December 18, 2024.)
2. South Dakota SP Wessington Springs Opera House - National Archives Catalog

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. From the National Register of Historic Places Inventory -- Nomination Form (1976):

"At the beginning of this century, many small towns erected opera houses, and those were invariably the center of culture in each community. Many of these have long since disappeared; however, a small opera house in Wessington Springs still exists in South Dakota. This structure is significant locally in the area of music, education, and theater, for it provided a cultural center where people could be informed as well as entertained. The building is also significant as an example of the architecture employed in small town opera houses across the country.

Work began on the Opera House on August 3, 1905, with William Brimner, the builder, laying the foundation, and he finished the structure in early November. From the third of that month until 1912 it was the scene of live entertainment only. Travelling troups performed on its stage, running the gamut from musical presentations through lectures, three act plays, Chautaqua, dramatic readings, etc. Some of Wessington Spring's residents today recall seeing a transient group of actors present plays that they would have never been able to see had it not been for the Opera House. Also, politicians held their rallies on its stage, local talent shows were presented there, as well as dances, box socials, country fair exhibits and band
November 24, 2024

2. Opera House & Marker, from the west
concerts.

From 1912 until 1917, the Opera House served as a silent movie theatre and from then until its closing in 1920, it became a roller skating rink. At this time, the city purchased the structure and moved it one block to the east where it became the local fire station. In recent years the local government used it to store old fire department hose wagons."

(Submitted on December 18, 2024.)

Wessington Springs Opera House image. Click for full size.

November 24, 2024

3. Wessington Springs Opera House

November 24, 2024

4. Wessington Springs Opera House

Opera House NRHP Marker image. Click for full size.

November 24, 2024

5. Opera House NRHP Marker

"This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior"

Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2024. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 18, 2024.