Philipsburg in Granite County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

McDonald Opera House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2009

1. McDonald Opera House Marker

Inscription. Prominent businessman Angus A. McDonald constructed this two-story masonry theater in 1891. A metal-covered stage loft rises above the roof as evidence of the structures historic function. Beneath the south end were dressing rooms for the traveling entertainers that played the generous stage. Elaborate backdrops were painted by Montana artist Edgar S. Paxson. The advent of moving pictures with sound brought some interior changes in the 1930s, but a magician’s trap door at center stage is still in place. Renamed the Granada Theatre in 1919, it is Montana’s oldest operating theater.

This property contributes to the Philipsburg Historic District • Listed in the Nation l Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior • In cooperation with the Montana Historical Society

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 46° 19.912′ N, 113° 17.668′ W. Marker is in Philipsburg,

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Montana, in Granite County. It is at the intersection of South Sansome Street and West Stockton Street on South Sansome Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philipsburg MT 59858, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

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: Philipsburg (here, next to this marker); Courtney Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Jones' Run For Life (within shouting distance of this marker); Philipsburg Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Sayrs' Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); Doe's Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker);

McDonald Opera House - left image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2009

2. McDonald Opera House - left

123 East Broadway (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philipsburg.

McDonald Opera House - right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2009

3. McDonald Opera House - right

The marker is to the right of the entrance.

McDonald Opera House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2009

4. McDonald Opera House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 9, 2009

5. McDonald Opera House

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.