Delaware in Delaware County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Old City Hall and Opera House
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2008
1. Old City Hall and Opera House Marker
The old city hall opened in 1882. Its clock tower rose to a height of 92ft. The first floor housed administrative offices, the police department, the jail, and the fire department. A 1,050 seat auditorium known as the Opera House graced the second floor. It was the city's social center for graduations and theatrical productions. Here, also, John Philip Sousa led his band in “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Other celebrities who appeared here included Mark Twain, William McKinley, temperance advocate Carrie Nation, statesman William Jennings Bryan, Hollywood director Vincente Minnelli, Ben Hur author General Lew Wallace, and abolitionist Henry Ward Beecher. On a frigid winter night, February 24, 1934, the structure was destroyed by fire. Exactly three years later, on February 24, 1937, the current City Hall was dedicated and opened after costing $95,000 to build.
Erected 2008 by Delaware County Historical Society, The Kroger Company, and National City Bank.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Ohio, Delaware County Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1832.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rutherford B. Hayes (within shouting distance of this marker); Rutherford B. Hayes Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); African-American Civil War Soldiers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frederick Douglass And William Tecumseh Sherman Spoke Here (about 400 feet away); Delaware Run Storm Net (about 400 feet away); William Street United Methodist Church / Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States (about 600 feet away); United States Post Office (about 600 feet away); 41 North Sandusky Street (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Delaware.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2008
2. Old City Hall and Opera House Marker
In front of Delaware City Hall.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2008
3. Old City Hall and Opera House Photo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2008
4. Delaware Bicentennial Logo on Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2008
5. City Hall sign, honoring Delaware City Employees
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 21, 2008
6. Delaware City Employees dedication
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,325 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 22, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
