Eureka in Eureka County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Eureka Opera House

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 6, 2013

1. Eureka Opera House Marker

Inscription. The opera house was constructed by Richard Ryland, Joseph Winzell, and M.D. Foley in October through December of 1880. They used the foundation of the Odd Fellows Hall. The building had been destroyed earlier in the year during a disastrous fire. One account described the new opera house as thoroughly fire-proof with two foot thick masonry walls, a brick and iron front and a slate roof. The official grand opening of the Eureka Opera House was held in January 1881, with the drama, "Forget Me Not". The building was the center for all activities in Eureka for many decades. Plays, masquerade balls, dances, operas, concerts and other social events were held. Ads for local merchants painted in 1921 by the Twin City Scenic Company can still be seen on the stage Olio Curtain. Silent movies were first shown in 1915. By the 1940's the opera house name changed to the Eureka Theater. Movies were shown until the theater closed in 1943. The building stood idle until Eureka County purchased and restored it to the current splendor in 1993 and the original name of the Eureka Opera House was restored.

Erected 2009 by Lucinda Jane Saunders,

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ECV Chapter #1881.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1881.

Location. 39° 30.73′ N, 115° 57.638′ W. Marker is in Eureka, Nevada, in Eureka County. It is on South Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 South Main Street, Eureka NV 89316, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Nevada and in Elko Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Eureka Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Eureka & Palisade RR (within shouting distance of this marker); Bartine Outhouse

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 6, 2013

2. Eureka Opera House Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Eureka Sentinel Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eureka Sentinel Newspaper (about 300 feet away); Charcoal Burners Massacred Aug. 18, 1879 (approx. 0.6 miles away); Tannehill Cabin (approx. 0.6 miles away); Eureka (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eureka.

Eureka Opera House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 6, 2013

3. Eureka Opera House

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.