Grand Ledge in Eaton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Blake's Opera House

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018

1. Blake's Opera House Marker

Inscription.
Constructed in 1884 as a roller skating rink, this building was purchased by Peter Blake and opened as Blake's Opera House in 1886. Here, audiences enjoyed talent shows, vaudeville, silent movies and athletic contests. Between 1928 and 1984, the Stephens and Mapes families used he building as a furniture store. The Mapes family donated the building for a community center. It was restored by the Grand Ledge Area Historical Society and the chamber of commerce.

Erected 1999 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1943.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 42° 45.242′ N, 84° 44.692′ W. Marker is in Grand Ledge, Michigan, in Eaton County. Marker is at the intersection of South Bridge Street and East River Street, on the right when traveling north on South Bridge Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 South Bridge Street, Grand Ledge MI 48837, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shane Jewelry Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Ledge 1909 (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Historic Island Rollercoaster (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Second Island (about 500 feet away); "Growing Progress" (about 600 feet away); Preston's Grocery - Preston's Bar (about 800 feet away); Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Ledge Chair Company (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Ledge.

Also see . . . History. (Submitted on September 2, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Blake's Opera House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 7, 2018

2. Blake's Opera House and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.