Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Henry Opera House

(In service 1883-1913)

Photographed By Steve Gustafson, September 19, 2009

1. Henry Opera House Marker

Inscription. Built in 1880 as lodge hall. First floor soon became a dry goods and grocery store, and second was made into a fine theater by owner, John Henry (1828-97). Here traveling troupes played Shakespeare and dramas of the times. Famous magician Hermann the Great made Texas debut here; and Blind Tom, self-taught Negro piano virtuoso, once performed on this stage.

After period as skating rink, opera house showed first motion picture in the city, about 1909. But with building of new theater, it closed and came again to be used for offices and stores.

Erected 1972 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8456.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 30° 43.375′ N, 95° 33.035′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection of University Avenue and 12th Street, on the left when traveling north on University Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1206 University Ave, Huntsville TX 77342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge (a few steps from this marker); Sam Houston Whittling Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Gazebo

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Cornerstone of the Fourth Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Walker County (within shouting distance of this marker); The Five Courthouses of Walker County (within shouting distance of this marker); Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Pleasant Gray's Trading Post (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, July 24, 2010

2. Henry Opera House Marker

Henry Opera House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By I.G.V.Atajar, July 24, 2010

3. Henry Opera House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 928 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on March 28, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on March 23, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on November 23, 2010, by I.G.V.Atajar of San Jose, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.