Duck Creek Hundred in Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

1. Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall Marker

Inscription. In the spring of 1869, the Commissioners of Smyrna approved a plan to erect a Town Hall. Responding to the long-held desire of the citizens for a venue for public gatherings, architect Richard Mitchell designed the building to include a “hall” on the second floor. Ground was broken on July 15, 1869, and the building was opened the following spring. For many years it was the center of the community’s civic and social activities. Often attracting large crowds from long distances, the building’s “Opera House” provided a wide variety of entertainment including plays, lectures, music, and dancing. Many persons of national prominence appeared. Abolitionist and civil rights pioneer Frederick Douglass spoke here in 1880, and William Jennings Bryan addressed supporters during his campaign for U. S. President in 1900. In later years the second floor was used for showing motion pictures. The completion of a new Town Hall in 1976 and the subsequent relocation of town police resulted in the library’s expansion on the first floor. Restoration of the building was undertaken by the Smyrna Clayton Heritage Association in 1998, and the Opera House was formally reopened in 2003. The property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 2003 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-77.)

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 15, 1869.

Location. 39° 17.979′ N, 75° 36.293′ W. Marker is in Smyrna, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in Duck Creek Hundred. It is at the intersection of West South Street and S, Main Street, on the right when traveling east on West South Street. Marker is mounted on the South Street side of the building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Smyrna DE 19977, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Richard Allen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barracks (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Gray Box Chateau (about 700 feet away); School District No. 5 (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Victor D. Ennis (approx. 0.2 miles away); Citizens' Hose Company No. 1. Inc. (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Delaware House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Green Pottery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smyrna.

Also see . . . Smyrna Historic District - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

2. Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall Marker

In 1869 the need for a town hall became acute and in that year was constructed Smyrna's first town hall (.147). It was a fairly restrained three-story brick, common bond Second Empire building with symmetrical massings with a projecting central pavillion and tower, tall round-headed windows framed by brick pilasters, and a slate Mansard roof. Originally, the first floor contained the town offices, a library, and a lock-up. The second story contained a meeting hall, often hosting Masonic activities, and later also used as the Opera House. In 1886, a two-story wing was built facing Main Street to house the Engine Room of Citizen's Hose Company No. 1. The building was built by Smyrna architect, R. Mitchell. In 1948 a fire destroyed the third story which was not rebuilt when the structure was rehabilitated.

(Submitted on November 21, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

3. Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall

Now occupied by the Smyrna Public Library.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

4. Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall

The marker can be seen on the left side of the building, along the sidewalk.

Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

5. Smyrna Opera House and Old Town Hall Cornerstone

This view shows the cornerstone of the opera house, located below the marker at the corner of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,321 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California.