Greenville in Hunt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

That's Entertainment

Photographed by James Hulse, July 28, 2025

1. That's Entertainment Marker

Inscription. The King Opera House was the center of early Greenville cultural life. John Phillip Sousa, the Marx Brothers, and other famous performers entertained local audiences from its stage. William Jennings Bryan and Helen Keller lectured there. Hunt County's own John Boles, often seen as Shirley Temple's movie father, and Metropolitan Opera baritone Mack Harrell began their careers on the King stage.

Originally built facing Lee Street in 1891, the King Opera House was rebuilt to face Wesley Street after an 1894 fire destroyed the original building. After a fire in 1898, the theater was dark until 1901, when it was rebuilt for a second time. Two balconies topped the "Dress Circle" or orchestra section of the new 771 seat theater. The elegant interior boasted gold trim, a huge chandelier, and a Venetian scene painted on the main curtain.

World War I's travel ban ended the Opera House's road shows. It was leased as a silent movie theater, but the arrival of the "talkies" spelled the end of the King's reign. Most of the building was razed in 1934. By that time, a number of movie houses entertained Greenville patrons including the Colonial, the Gem, the Rialto, the Rita, the Grand, and the Texan.

Greenville's Municipal Auditorium was built in 1939. The auditorium stage has featured a variety of performers from Elvis

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Presley and Duke Ellington to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

Erected by Greenville Main Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 33° 8.398′ N, 96° 6.518′ W. Marker is in Greenville, Texas, in Hunt County. It is on Lee Street east of Wesley Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located on the wall of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2712 Lee Street, Greenville TX 75401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Bankhead Highway (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Made Greenville Great (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Divided (within shouting distance of this marker); Streetcars (within shouting distance of this marker); Boom Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenville Beats the Yankees (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Central Christian Church (about 400 feet away); Paul Mathews Exchange Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

The view of the Texan Theater with the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 28, 2025

2. The view of the Texan Theater with the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.